Punjab Government to Spend Rs612 Million on Luxury Vehicles Amid Economic Crisis
As Pakistan faces financial difficulties, the Punjab government has announced plans to spend Rs612 million on purchasing 76 luxury vehicles for parliamentary secretaries and provincial ministers’ protocol duties. This decision comes despite the country’s ongoing austerity measures aimed at reducing administrative expenditures.
Breakdown of Vehicle Procurement
According to sources, the Punjab government plans to procure the following:
•29 luxury vehicles worth Rs220 million for parliamentary secretaries.
•15 vehicles valued at Rs90 million for the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD).
•30 vehicles costing Rs200.9 million for provincial ministers’ protocol duties.
•Two additional vehicles worth Rs30.61 million will be added to the S&GAD’s transport pool.
This expenditure comes at a time when the government has been actively working to reduce costs. The federal government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been pushing for economic reforms, including the elimination of vacant positions and the merging of ministries to limit spending.
Austerity Measures Ignored?
While the federal government advocates for fiscal responsibility, this new expenditure in Punjab contradicts the austerity policies introduced last year. In 2023, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged ministers to fly economy class, forgo luxury cars, and cut back on salaries to save Rs200 billion annually. However, the decision to purchase new vehicles raises questions about the government’s commitment to austerity.
Economists have long advised against such extravagant spending, especially during a period of economic crisis. They suggest banning the purchase of luxury items and focusing on more pressing issues, such as addressing public sector inefficiency and reducing debt.
For more insights into government spending, visit our economy section.
Similar Expenditures in Sindh
Earlier this month, the Sindh government also faced criticism for allocating Rs2 billion to purchase 138 luxury 4×4 vehicles for assistant commissioners across the province. Each vehicle, a Toyota Hilux Revo, costs over Rs10 million. Such decisions continue to highlight the disconnect between government spending and the country’s economic challenges.
