ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken strict notice of the conduct of the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police during the official August 14 ceremony, where both officials arrived in a horse-drawn carriage.

The Establishment Division has issued separate written warnings to both officers following the Prime Minister’s expression of disappointment and displeasure over the incident.

According to the documents, the officials’ arrival in a carriage created an impression of privilege and ostentation. The Prime Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the display of grandeur at an official state ceremony.

The Establishment Division stated that such conduct was inconsistent with the basic principles of public service. Government officials hold their offices as a public trust and are expected to demonstrate humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment.

The written warnings noted that such conduct could undermine public confidence in government institutions. The Establishment Division stressed that senior officials must maintain the highest standards of conduct expected from public office holders.

The division said the highest standards of conduct are particularly expected from the administrative head of the federal capital.

The Prime Minister has directed the officials to exercise greater caution in the discharge of their duties and ensure that such conduct is not repeated in the future.

The Establishment Division has also instructed both officers to comply with the Prime Minister’s directions in letter and spirit.

The officials’ arrival at the August 14 ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage had drawn strong criticism from members of the public.