ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan will stay at the Punjab House here after taking oath as the 21st prime minister of the country.
PTI leader Nameeul Haq told media that the prime minister-in-waiting has preferred a small portion of the Punjab House for his stay over the palatial PM House.
He said the PTI chief had directed him to inspect the Punjab House for the purpose. Khan will stay there 3 to 4 days a week and spend weekend at his Banigala residence, he added.
Earlier, the star cricketer-turned politician had announced to live in a house in the Ministers’ Enclave, but the law enforcement agencies declared it unsafe for the likely PM.
His decision to live in a smaller and simpler residence will save the huge amount of Rs1.85 billion annually, according to a report.
The PTI emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 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.
 chief Imran Khan will stay at the Punjab House after taking oath as the 21st elected prime minister of the country.){kind=link}