Pakistan’s austerity drive makes way for the VVIPs

Spread over 20 acres, the heliport will cater to 10 government helicopters. The head of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which overlooks the development of Pakistan’s federal capital, told mediapersons that the heliport’s main users will be the prime minister and visiting dignitaries. However, it may also be used for emergency situations, he added.

Sharif’s decision to go ahead with the heliport has invited criticism from many sources. But the prime minister had been advised that his travel by road from Islamabad airport to the federal capital was asecurity risk.

In a speech immediately after the May 28 nuclear detonations by Pakistan, Sharif had said that his government would embark on a major austerity drive. This drive would include the prime minister leaving his regal PM House in favour of more simpler surroundings and travelling in less expensive vehicles than the fleet of Mercedes cars for his personal use.

However, within days of the pronouncement, Sharif and his Cabinet abandoned these plans on account of a security threat. Intelligence agencies’ reports were cited — these apparently recommended that the prime minister stick to protocol, which involves the movement of over 20 cars, closure of roads and halting of traffic to let the premier pass.

While the prime minister’s movements are a minor irritant in Islamabad, which is a relatively sparsely populated city, it has become a trial for drivers in Karachi — a city of about 14 million — who must contend with the inevitable traffic jams whenever the premier visits the city.

GivenKarachi’s volatile condition, over 6,000 policemen are deployed on the roads during Sharif’s visits. Standing on pavements lining the roads that the prime minister uses is banned. Security has been taken to absurd heights: Waiting cars are required to shut off their headlights when the premier is passing.