LAHORE – President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi refused to leave Lahore airport until a 32-vehicle security protocol assigned to escort him left the premises.
The President then reached Governor House Lahore with just five cars where he met Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar.
The head of the state tweeted from within the airport highlighting his “continuous struggle to keep security but reduce protocol that inconveniences people”
https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1063338964579426304
Alvi has been outspoken about his security protocol in the past, previously saying that he has “asked all officials present at the airport not to embarrass me with a huge protocol”.
https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1040789316744695808
Questions have been raised about Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders being assigned large security protocols despite the government’s austerity drive.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/no-more-protocol-for-vips-at-airports-across-country/
Earlier last year, PMLN govt had directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) that no government official or other VIPs would be given protocol at airports across the country.
However, the incumbent Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had earlier said that the government would strictly implement the decision to provide equal opportunities to all travelers without any discrimination.
