Imran Khan takes helicopter to work, faces criticism

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, days after launching an austerity drive, is being criticised for using a helicopter to commute to work daily, from his residence in Bani Gala to the prime minister's Secretariat, reports Firstpost.

Information minister Fawad Chaudhry came to Imran's rescue when he told local media that Khan's helicopter rides are a cost-effective option as it cost just Rs 50-55 per kilometer. He stated that he had used "used Google to calculate" the costs, Firstpost reposts quoting Geo TV. He also claimed that this was not "VIP culture".

As expected, his statement left people on Twitter trolling Chaudhary.

However, according to BBC, Chaudhary does not have the facts right. The fuel for the prime minister's helicopter, an Agusta Westland AW139, costs 1,600 Pakistani rupees ($23/£17) per kilmetre, higher than the 55 rupees, Chaudhry claimed. This is excluding other costs associated with running a helicopter, says Firstpost.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentarian Ali Muhammad Khan also came to the prime minister's rescue, listing the benefits of using the helicopter. He tweeted that considering that five to seven vehicles are required for the PM's security, using one helicopter for three minutes ends up being cheaper.

Dawn News had earlier reported that the ruling party also faced criticism after photographs of Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar travelling with his family on a private jet emerged on social media.

As part of the austerity measures, the government has banned first-class air travel for top officials of the country. Even the President is not allowed to go for first-class air travel.

Source: Firstpost