Will not be going to any private function with protocol, security: PM Imran Khan

• PM to go to private functions without protocol, security escort.
• Measure aims at saving taxpayer money and reducing public incovenience.
• PM reviewing protocol and security for ministers; cabinet to decide on a comprehensive policy next week.

In a bid to save taxpayer money and to save the public from the inconvenience that comes with the protocol and security that accompanies a head of state, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced he will be doing away with the practice when he goes to any private function.

"To save taxpayer money and avoid inconvenience to the public I will not be going to any private function with protocol and security," the prime minister wrote in a message on Twitter.

He said he is also reviewing protocol and security granted to ministers, governors and PTI chief ministers so that a way to minimise expenditure and end public inconvenience can be determined.

The prime minister said that a comprehensive policy regarding this will be decided in next week's cabinet meeting.

"We will put an end to the colonial legacy of pomp and glory used to overwhelm the people," he vowed.

PM Imran Khan has spoken out against the prevalent "VIP culture" in the country on several occasions.

Opinion: The dangers of the VIP culture

In 2018, shortly before taking oath as prime minister, Imran Khan expressed his displeasure over official protocol given to him while travelling from Bani Gala to a private hotel in Islamabad.

The PTI chief remarked: “I was given official protocol [while coming here today] — the country cannot be run like this."

In his first address to the nation after becoming prime minister, he had emphasised on cutting government expenditure. As part of the cost-cutting initiative, he had announced the auction of surplus PM House vehicles.

As part of the austerity drive, 102 vehicles were put up for sale, of which, according to the government, 61 were sold off.

In May, the prime minister defied all norms and visited several areas of Islamabad without any protocol. He was accompanied by the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Aamir Ahmed Ali.

Then, again in June, a video of the prime minister behind the wheel, driving around the different areas of the capital was shared by Senator Faisal Javed.