LAHORE: The Punjab Government has approved the acquisition of a fleet of high-end vehicles worth a staggering Rs. 612.47 million for parliamentary secretaries, provincial ministers, and senior government officials.
Documents obtained by The Scoop reveal the details of the procurement, which has raised eyebrows amidst economic challenges in the country.
The purchase involves 76 luxury vehicles, including models such as Toyota Corolla Altis, Toyota Fortuner, and Toyota Hilux, intended for official and protocol duties. According to the document, the breakdown of the fleet is as follows:
29 Toyota Corolla Altis X Grande 1.8 CVT-i (Beige Interior/Black Color) vehicles, each costing Rs. 7,591,000, amounting to Rs. 220,139,000.
15 Toyota Corolla Altis X 1.6 CVT (Black Color) vehicles, priced at Rs. 6,641,000 each, with a total cost of Rs. 99,615,000.
2 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Sigma 2.8L T-Diesel vehicles, purchased for protocol duties at the upcoming SCO Summit, priced at Rs. 18,093,000 each, totaling Rs. 36,186,000.
30 Toyota Hilux 4×2 Single Cabin Pickup STD Model, intended to escort provincial ministers, with a unit price of Rs. 6,968,000, totaling Rs. 209,040,000.
In addition to the base prices, Rs. 17,495,000 has been allocated for taxes and registration fees across all 76 vehicles. The government has also set aside Rs. 30,000,000 for the installation of fiber hoods on the Toyota Hilux single cabins.
Speaking to The Scoop on condition of anonymity, a senior government official defended the procurement, stating, “These vehicles are essential for the smooth functioning of official duties, particularly during high-profile events such as the SCO Summit scheduled to be on October 15-16, 2024. The government needs to ensure that its officers have access to reliable and secure transportation.”
However, not everyone within the administration agrees. A high-ranking official, speaking critically of the decision, told The Scoop, “This is an outright mismanagement of public funds. The province is facing serious financial constraints, yet the government has chosen to indulge in unnecessary luxury. It sends a damaging message when basic public services are underfunded, and we are buying cars worth millions for a select few.”
Opposition leaders have echoed similar concerns, with many calling the purchase an unnecessary extravagance at a time when economic hardship continues to affect the masses. “There are far more pressing priorities that should have been addressed, such as healthcare and education, but this government seems disconnected from the people’s needs,” remarked a senior opposition figure.
As the procurement moves forward, the expenditure is expected to ignite further debate on government spending priorities, with many demanding greater transparency and accountability from the Punjab Government.
