Govt 'defends' ACs buying 138 SUVs

Opposition submits resolution in Sindh Assembly against 'royal' spending

KARACHI:

Amid criticism and allegations, the Sindh government on Thursday attempted to justify the purchase of luxury vehicles for grade-17 officials in the revenue department, citing the nature of their jobs.

On the other hand, the opposition has questioned the government's performance in providing basic necessities to the people of Sindh. Sarbuland Khan, a lawmaker from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, stating, "At a time when the government should focus on reducing 'royal' expenditures, such a decision is highly inappropriate."

The resolution highlights the stark contrast between this purchase and the dire situation in Sindh, where citizens lack access to basic services such as healthcare and education. "Increasing lavish expenditures when people are deprived of essential services is an insult to the public."

In a statement issued from the Sindh Chief Minister's House on Thursday, following media and opposition pressure, the government said that "the decision to allocate Rs2 billion for purchasing vehicles not only lacks context but also misrepresents the necessity and rationale behind the decision."

It further explained, "It is imperative to understand that Assistant Commissioners (ACs) are the backbone of the provincial administration. Tasked with enforcing government policies and decisions, ACs play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, price control, polio eradication, flood management, inspection of schools and hospitals, land administration, election duties, and various other essential functions."

The provincial government also claimed that the last significant procurement of vehicles for ACs was made in 2010 and 2012, adding that the average lifespan of those vehicles was approximately seven to eight years. "Currently, most of those vehicles have far exceeded their useful life, with many having run nearly 800,000 kilometers," the statement read.

PTI's resolution also pointed to the ongoing flood crisis in Sindh, where heavy rains have displaced hundreds of families and destroyed crops. "In these circumstances, allocating funds for luxury vehicles instead of projects for the welfare of flood victims is a decision against the people," the resolution argued. It called for an immediate halt to the purchase and for the funds to be redirected towards flood relief efforts.

Contradicting PTI's allegations, the Sindh government stated, "The double-cabin vehicles the government has decided to procure for the ACs are not categorized as luxury vehicles. These are operational vehicles, and the government will procure the most basic variant to ensure cost-effectiveness."

Responding to the flood situation in Sindh, the Chief Minister's House added, "The government's commitment to addressing the needs of flood victims and other pressing issues remains unwavering. However, the operational efficiency of our administrative officers cannot be compromised."

A letter available with The Express Tribune revealed that the summary for the procurement of double-cabin vehicles was approved by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on September 2. "The finance department is requested to release the entire withheld funds amounting to Rs 1,991,892,000."