Pakistan has put its prime minister Imran Khan’s official residence in Islamabad on the market for rent. Pakistan is reeling from a financial crisis. The ruling Tehreek-e-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, led by Khan, had previously announced plans to turn the prime minister’s residence into a university. However, that plan appears to have been abandoned, with the federal government opting to rent the property instead.
Imran Khan had left his official residence in Islamabad after the Pakistani government announced in August 2019 that the prime minister’s residence would be converted into a cutting-edge federal educational institution. According to a report by Samaa TV, the federal government has decided to rent out the premises in Islamabad’s Red Zone to people who want to hold cultural, fashion, educational, and other events there.
“Two committees have been formed for this purpose. They will be responsible for ensuring the discipline and decorum of the PM House are not violated during the events,” Saama TV said.
The federal cabinet will meet to discuss ways to generate revenue from the PM House building, according to local media.
To raise funds, the prime minister’s house auditorium, two guest wings, and a lawn will most likely be rented out. At the former Pakistani premier’s main office, high-level diplomatic functions and international seminars will be held.
Following his election as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan stated that the federal government does not have the funds to spend on social welfare programmes, while a few people in the country are “living like our colonial masters used to live.” Since then, he has been residing in Bani Gala and only uses the prime minister’s office.
Pakistan’s economy has shrunk by USD 19 billion since Khan took power three years ago. When he became Prime Minister, he took a number of austere measures to reduce government spending and help the country’s economy.
