Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called for restrictions on the use of double-cabin pickup trucks, commonly known as “Vigo Dalas”, around Parliament Lodges and questioned the need for extensive security arrangements for ministers and public office holders.
Speaking during a National Assembly session on a point of order, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader urged authorities to review current security practices and improve public conduct on the roads.
Asif’s remarks came during a discussion on issues related to security and movement around the Parliament Lodges in Islamabad.
“We have to improve our behaviours,” he told lawmakers.
The defence minister specifically raised concerns about the presence of Vigo Dalas in and around the parliamentary area.
“There should be ban over them,” he said while calling on authorities to save the Parliament Lodges from such vehicles.
Defence Minister Questions VIP Security Culture
During his speech, Asif questioned why ministers required extensive security arrangements when most lawmakers moved without similar protection.
“When 250 to 300 assembly members have no threat, what threat the ministers are facing,” he asked. He also criticised the use of official flags on government vehicles, particularly during evening hours.
جنابِ اسپیکر! پارلیمنٹ لاجز کو ان ’ویگو ڈالوں‘ سے بچائیے۔ ہمارے ارکان اور ان کے اہلِ خانہ وہاں چہل قدمی کر رہے ہوتے ہیں، جبکہ سبز نمبر پلیٹ والی ویگو گاڑیاں اس طرح گزرتی ہیں جیسے کہیں آگ لگی ہو اور یہ اسے بجھانے جا رہی ہوں۔ اس پر پابندی لگنی چاہیے۔۔ خواجہ آصف pic.twitter.com/yUJdIjPWv4
— Hassan Ayub Official (@hassanayub92) June 21, 2026
“The ministers should be told that their vehicles should not have flags in the evening,” he said.
Asif further remarked on the changing treatment politicians often receive depending on whether they hold public office.
“When you are in power, the police walk ahead of you, when not in power police chase you behind,” he observed.
The comments reflected a broader debate in Pakistan about VIP culture, security convoys and the use of official privileges by public office holders.
Successive governments have faced criticism from citizens and civil society groups over large security entourages and road closures linked to the movement of senior officials.
Speaker Promises to Raise Matter
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq responded to the concerns raised by the defence minister and acknowledged that issues remained despite previous requests for improvements.
“There are issues despite requests,” the speaker said. He assured lawmakers that the matter would be taken up with the Interior Ministry.
“We will talk to the interior minister for solution of the matter,” Ayaz Sadiq told the House.
The exchange drew attention to ongoing discussions about security arrangements in Islamabad’s Red Zone and surrounding government areas.
Parliament Lodges house members of the National Assembly and Senate from across the country and remain under strict security due to their proximity to key state institutions.
Khawaja Asif’s remarks are likely to reignite debate over VIP protocols, official security measures and the balance between public convenience and security requirements for government officials.
