Amid the cash-strapped tumbling economy of Pakistan, the Government of Sindh plans to spend Rs. 2 billion on 138 luxury 4×4 cars for assistant commissioners across the province. The spending is expected to be paid from the taxpayer’s money.
According to sources, the Sindh Services, General Administration and & Coordination Department, has already written to the Finance Department Government of Sindh for the release of the funds for the procurement of these vehicles. The assistant commissioners will be provided with Toyota Hilux Revo vehicles, each costing above 10 million. These new vehicles are intended to help the officers carry out their duties more effectively, the sources added.
This expenditure comes when the federal government is racing and gasping to meet the strict demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the next tranche of loans, with citizens being hampered by increased taxes and increased prices of utilities.
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A copy of the letter issued by the Section Officer (Budget) for the secretary of the Government of Sindh, reads: “I am directed to refer to the subject noted above and to forward herewith a copy of an approved Summary for Chief Minister, Sindh bearing PS to CS Diary No. 4861, dated: 02nd September 2024 regarding permission to procure 138 vehicles (4×4 Double Cabin) in respect of Assistant Commissioners from existing budgetary allocation, by Board of Revenue through centralized procurement mechanism in one go.”
“Finance Department, Government of Sindh, is therefore, requested to release the entire withheld funds amounting to Rs1,991,892,000 allocated under head of account “SC21114 (114)-Board of Revenue-A09501-Purchase of Transport” by placing the same at the disposal of Senior Member, Board of Revenue, Sindh, to procure 138 vehicles (4×4 Double Cabin) in respect of Assistant Commissioners through centralized procurement mechanism in one go, during current financial year, 2024-25, as per rules/policy,” the letter added.
The news is meeting a harsh criticism on social media by citizens. They believe it is an unnecessary expenditure when Pakistan’s economy desperately needs austerity measures and control in government expenditure.