LAHORE: Two provincial ministers from Punjab, Mian Kazim Ali Pirzada, Minister for Irrigation, and Bilal Akbar Khan, Minister for Transportation and Mass Transit, have raised objection about the ‘insufficient’ monthly allocation of 500 liters of petrol for official cars, and have requested additional fuel, The Scoop has learnt.
According to details, the 18-member Punjab cabinet took oath of office on March 6, and the Punjab Chief Minister assigned them various provincial departments.
After joining the provincial cabinet, the S&GAD (Services & General Administration Department) provided all provincial ministers with official luxury cars, along with drivers, and monthly petrol cards for 500 liters, to ensure that ministers can carry out their official duties without interruption.
A senior official of S&GAD told The Scoop that Ministers Mian Kazim Ali Pirzada and Bilal Akbar Khan have demanded an increase in the petrol limit, deeming the allocated 500 liters insufficient.
He stated that both ministers consumed the provided petrol within 12 days, although it was meant to last for a month and was designated solely for official government vehicles.
Moreover, there is concern that the ministers may have used government petrol for their personal vehicles, which is not legally permissible.
It was further revealed that the Prime Minister and his cabinet have announced not to take allowances from the government treasury, while a reverse trend is being witnessed in Punjab.
Minister Mian Kazim Ali Pirzada hails from Bahawalpur, while Minister Bilal Akbar Khan is from Narowal district. It was also disclosed that under the Punjab Ministers’ Salary, Allowances and Privileges Act, provincial ministers have been provided with government vehicles, fuel, and drivers for official use.
Due to the availability of new vehicles, their inclination towards this facility is also high.
He further stated that the new Punjab government has ordered strict adherence to austerity, simplicity, and savings in government expenditures, yet provincial ministers are demanding excess petrol beyond necessity, citing the need for frequent travel and excessive fuel consumption.
The Scoop tried to reach both ministers but failed to speak to them till the filing of this news report.
