Red Carpets banned in Pakistan: Why so? Here is the full story

Pakistan is currently debt-ridden, and thus, the country is aiming at cutting down unneeded expenditures. Therefore, from now on, Pakistan will be making use of red carpets exclusively for the purpose of diplomatic receptions. On the contrary, red carpets were used even in the visits of senior authorities and federal ministers at government functions earlier.

The Cabinet Division says that it has been instructed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan that the red carpet will not be made to use for government figures and federal ministers anymore at official events.

However, it has been reported that the red carpets could be made to use as a protocol for only foreign diplomats.

Eliminating red carpets

The Pakistan government's move to eliminate the use of red carpets is aimed at saving funds. It also intends to encourage a more responsible approach to public finances in the country.

The financial status of Pakistan is undesirable currently, and it attempts to improve this status, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Cabinet members have chosen to voluntarily forego the salaries and perks they get.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed that austerity measures like these were actually the top priority of the government. 

Asif Ali Zardari, the President of Pakistan, earlier chose to not take the salary and perks due to the economic challenges currently faced by Pakistan.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sharif said that the government is aiming to turn toward the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a yet another program. Earlier too, the country came to an agreement with the IMF relating to the distribution of the final installment totaling $1.1 billion.

Earlier this month, Sharif took the oath to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the second time.