Govt officers to flaunt double-cabin vehicles

SUVs known to symbolise power will now be in possession of state officials

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KARACHI:

While originally double-cabin vehicles were used for business purposes, over time they became a status symbol for the wealthy segments of society. However, like all icons of luxury, now these cars too will be flaunted by the province's bureaucrats during their routine inspection drives.

After Punjab, the Sindh government has also decided to officially purchase four-by-four double cabin vehicles for 138 newly recruited assistant commissioners of Grade 17, which will cost approximately Rs2 billion.

It should be noted that earlier, Suzuki Cultus vehicles were officially provided to the officers of Grade 17, but this time they are being provided with double cabin vehicles.

The Services and General Administration Department Sindh (S&GAD), in its written reply submitted to the Sindh High Court (SHC) recently, has made the purchase of double cabin vehicles mandatory for state officers. The statement also mentioned that Punjab's government had already purchased 184 similar vehicles for its officers last October. The vehicles, which are sold popularly under the brand name of Toyota Hilux Revo, Isuzu D-Max, and Ford Ranger, have prices ranging from Rs12 to 15 million.

Muhammad Ali Abro, a politician hailing from Larkana opined that the double-cabin vehicle, colloquially known as the "Dala" was considered a symbol of power and social status in the society. "Politicians, landlords, and influential figures in Sindh keep double-cabin vehicles because it increases their social standing. When a person drives around in a double-cabin vehicle with armed guards in the back, ordinary people perceive them as powerful and influential. Hence, police officers standing on the road are seen saluting the politician riding in a double-cabin vehicle," observed Abro.

According to Rahmatullah Buriro, a Sukkur-based political activist, double-cabin vehicles were an expensive purchase, making them affordable only for a specific class. "Even if an ordinary person manages to buy a second-hand vehicle of this kind, it would still be impractical for them since it has a high fuel consumption and expensive maintenance. Without security guards, the rear compartment of a double-cabin vehicle serves no purpose. And security guards are not feasible for the common citizen," said Buriro.

Across Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, owning a double-cabin vehicle is a mark of affluence and power especially among landlords, feudal lords, and politicians. Ejaz Ahmed, a young man from Gulshan-e-Hadeed told the Express Tribune that double-cabin vehicles were fairly popular among youth belonging to affluent families in the city. "The youngsters use double-cabin vehicles as an alternative to Land Cruisers and Prado's," explained Ahmed.

Reportedly, double cabin vehicles have finally been officially upgraded from the status of a commercial vehicle to a private vehicle in Sindh. Despite being in private use for the past three to four decades, their registration was previously classified as commercial. For the first time, they will now be registered as private vehicles. This change follows a recent decision by the Sindh cabinet.

Apparently, this decision will increase the taxes collected by the province and the federal government on vehicles. According to Syed Ziauddin Shah, former Deputy Director of the Excise Department's Motor Registration Wing in Sindh, commercial vehicles are taxed at 2 per cent of their total value, whereas private vehicles are taxed at 5 per cent.