The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmed found himself at the center of a viral sensation after a video captured him receiving a thorough pat-down by airport security at Washington Dulles International Airport.
The incident, which unfolded as Ahmed arrived in the U.S. for the prestigious annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, has ignited a firestorm of reactions online.
The footage, which quickly spread across social media platforms, shows the SBP Governor looking less than pleased as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers conducted a routine security check.
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The video has become a lightning rod for criticism, with netizens seizing the opportunity to lambast the SBP governor for what they perceive as his lavish lifestyle funded by a country grappling with economic challenges.
Jalil Afridi, editor of The Frontier Post, didn’t hold back, sharing the video with a scathing tweet: “There is no #VIP culture in #WashingtonDC or #America. Yes, there is VIP treatment given by the state or federal govt when they want to. But obviously not to #Begging bowls. My dear governor state bank of #Pakistan is being whisked away while he seems to be not enjoying it. Anybody with such #Stomachs are #corrupt 😃 Am I right?”
Afridi’s tweet struck a chord with many, as others chimed in with their own critiques. One user commented, “They should be doing this to all useless entitled Pakistani elite who live off poor taxpayers but show zero respect or sense of accountability to common Pakistanis.”
The incident has also reignited discussions about Ahmed’s compensation package, which has been a point of contention in Pakistan. Recently, the National Assembly revealed that Ahmed receives a staggering monthly salary of Rs4 million, excluding a plethora of additional benefits. Appointed on August 26, 2022, Ahmed’s salary is significantly higher than that of his predecessor, Reza Baqir, who earned Rs2.5 million per month—a Rs1.5 million increase.
Ahmed’s benefits package is nothing short of opulent. It includes a house rent allowance, with the SBP covering maintenance and furnishing costs, two vehicles (a 1600cc and an 1800cc) with drivers, and 600 liters of petrol per vehicle each month. He is also entitled to hire four employees, each earning Rs18,000 per month, and the SBP covers his electricity, gas, water, entertainment, and mobile expenses.
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Further perks include the SBP paying 75% of his children’s educational expenses, full medical coverage, air tickets, club membership, and security expenses. These revelations have only fueled the public’s ire, as many question the ethics of such a lavish lifestyle funded by a nation facing economic hardships.
