The Punjab government is considering a plan to buy 108 luxury vehicles for cabinet members and senior officials at a cost of Rs1.14 billion in the current financial year.
The proposal has come up several times over the past three months. It was discussed by a cabinet committee and the Services and General Administration Department, known as S&GAD. Recommendations were made on different occasions, according to official records and sources familiar with the matter.
However, the government has not yet given its final approval.
When contacted, a senior S&GAD officer denied that any such move was under way. “There is nothing in the pipeline and there is no new proposal,” the officer said.
But some officials within the department say the recommendations have already been submitted and only the final go ahead is awaited.
According to sources, the S&GAD recommended buying 28 vehicles for cabinet members at an estimated cost of Rs300 million.
Minutes of a cabinet committee meeting show the proposed list includes one Toyota Land Cruiser, two Haval 1.5 vehicles, five Toyota Altis Grande cars, 10 Toyota Altis, and 10 Toyota Yaris.
Separately, the government has already allowed the purchase of two bullet proof 4×4 vehicles for two provincial ministers. These are expected to cost Rs40 million.
In addition, approval has been given to buy 25 vehicles for VIP security at a cost of Rs270 million.
Sources in the S&GAD also say more than 40 vehicles are planned for the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team. The estimated cost of this part of the proposal is around Rs530 million.
The proposed fleet for the team includes 30 double cabin vehicles, three Toyota Altis, 11 Toyota Yaris, one Suzuki Cultus and several motorbikes.
For now, the overall plan remains under review. With rising public concern over government spending, the final decision on the proposed purchase is likely to draw attention in the coming weeks.
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