Imran’s decision not to stay in PM House will save Rs1.85bn

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, who is poised to become the next prime minister of the country, has announced to live in a house in the Ministers’ Enclave instead of the palatial PM House to save public money.

His decision to live in a smaller and simpler residence will save the huge amount of Rs1.85 billion annually, according to a report of Gulf News.

The cricket star-turned politician’s party emerged as the single largest party in last week’s general elections and is set to form a government at the Centre with the help of independent members and smaller coalition partners.

The report opined the PTI chief’s decision not to stay in the PM House nor enjoy VVIP protocol after assuming office will send a positive message to the masses that their prime minister is not wasting their money on a life of luxuries and protocol.

It said the security budget of the complex is around Rs980 million, while Rs700 million are allocated for PM House staff. Similarly, Rs150 million is spent annually on gifts for visiting dignitaries and guests, and Rs15 million on renovation and decoration.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently serving 10-year jail term awarded to him by an accountability court in Adiala jail, had inaugurated the current building of the PM House two decades ago during his second term.

Spread over an area of 135 acres, the PM House is located on the main Constitution Avenue. It features five spacious lawns, a fruit orchard, a number of swimming pools, a banquet hall, media and committee rooms.

There are also 10 servants quarters, residences for security officers, staff and members of the Public & Works Department and police.

Inside the PM House, around 50 protocol officers work in their offices.

According to the PTI leadership, four universities equalling the area of Pakistan’s top varsity — Quaid-e-Azam University (spread over 35 acres in the capital) — can be set up in the PM House.

Khan has, instead, indicated that he will utilise the PM House land for publicly beneficial purposes, such as education or health.