LAHORE: The Punjab government has released Rs 27.238 million rupees to replace five tyres and for other works of VVIP high security (bullet proof) Mercedes armored car S-600-L which is part of fleet of cars being used by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz despite criticism across digital platforms and mainstream media, The Scoop has learnt.
It is pertinent to mention that the Chief Minister’s office (CMO) Punjab has written to Secretary Finance Mujahid Sherdil for provision of Rs 27.238 million supplementary grant to replace five tyres and other work of VVIP high security (bullet proof) Mercedes armored car S-600-L on March 12, 2024x
Sources from the CMO confirmed to The Scoop that this letter had been written at the behest of the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and this bullet proof car is part of the fleet of cars being used by the chief minister.
According to the official correspondence the copy of which is available with The Scoop, it was stated that tyres of VVIP (bullet proof), Mercedes Benz Armored car No. S-600-L needs to be replaced urgently along with miscellaneous work.
“In this regard, M/S Shahnawaz (PVt.), Ltd, Lahore, being sole distributor of daimler AG in Pakistan has submitted an estimate amounting to Rs. 27,238,200 for the subject work,” the letter reads.
As per the official document the CMO office requested that additional funds of Rs 27,238,200 (two crores seventy two lakhs thirty eight thousand and two hundred) may please be provided through supplementary grant during the current financial year, 2023-24 in the object/head of A13001 (Transport) charges, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Further permission may also be granted for advance drawl of an amount Rs. 27.238 million only for making payment to M/S Shahnawaz (PVt.) Ltd, Lahore, in terms of rule 2.1(b)(5) of PFR volume-I, the letter reads.
The CMO office in its letter signed by secretary to Chief Minister stated that further necessary action may kindly be taken on top priority basis.
Sources at CMO office confirmed to The Scoop that the above mentioned amount will be used to replace the tyres, matching mats and poshish of the car as per the likings of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
“The tyres are also being replaced at her behest although they are in a usable condition,” a senior official said.
However, Information Minister Punjab Azma Bukhari claims otherwise and highlighted that while tyres for Mercedes vehicles are typically replaced after 10,000 kilometers, the CM’s vehicle had already clocked 29,000 kilometers. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Bukhari pointed out that one of the Mercedes tyres had developed a crack, necessitating immediate replacement.
She also maintained that the request for release of funds was indeed for the replacement of tyres on the Punjab CM’s bulletproof vehicle.
Ms Bukhari had also remarked that routine vehicle maintenance is a standard procedure, and associating it with the chief minister is disgraceful.
