The Punjab government plans to purchase 108 new vehicles for provincial ministers and bureaucrats at an estimated cost of Rs1.14 billion, according to official sources. The proposal has been submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval and has sparked criticism over government spending priorities.
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Sources in the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) said the transport wing recommended procuring 28 vehicles specifically for provincial ministers, costing around Rs300 million. The proposed fleet includes one Land Cruiser, two Haval H6 vehicles, five Toyota Altis Grande cars, 10 Toyota Altis units, and 10 Toyota Yaris vehicles.
Punjab government plans to spend Rs 1.14 billion on 108 vehicles for ministers and officials.
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In addition, two ministers are expected to receive bulletproof four-wheel-drive vehicles worth Rs40 million. Authorities have already approved the acquisition of bulletproof vehicles for security purposes. The government has also recommended purchasing 25 additional vehicles valued at Rs270 million to strengthen VIP security arrangements. Officials said procurement will begin once final approvals are granted.
The planned purchase comes amid ongoing criticism directed at Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, over reports of government spending on luxury assets. Opposition leaders and critics have questioned the necessity of such expenditures at a time when economic challenges persist.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, criticised the government’s spending decisions, saying public funds should be prioritised for development and social welfare. He highlighted concerns about rising poverty levels and the need to focus on education and essential public services.
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Government officials have defended the proposed purchases, stating that new vehicles are required to ensure efficient functioning of administrative and security operations. The development has sparked debate about public spending and governance priorities as economic pressures continue to affect citizens across the province.