Punjab Police seek Rs238m for bulletproof vehicles for ATC judges

Punjab Police has proposed the purchase of 11 luxury vehicles for judges of Anti-Terrorism Courts facing serious security threats, forwarding a summary worth Rs238.6 million to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for approval.

The summary was sent by Inspector General of Police Punjab and prepared by the deputy inspector general of police, Security Division, who also serves as the focal person for judicial security.

The proposal includes both the purchase of new vehicles and their bulletproofing to strengthen protection for judges amid what officials described as an escalating threat environment.

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A detailed security threat assessment has been attached to the summary, stating that the country’s judicial system is facing serious security risks.

According to the proposal, Rs141.8 million is required to purchase the vehicles, with the cost of each vehicle estimated at about Rs12.8 million. An additional Rs96.8 million has been sought for bulletproofing, with armouring each vehicle estimated at Rs8.8 million.

Punjab Police have requested a supplementary grant to cover the total cost, citing the sensitive nature of Anti-Terrorism Court judges’ duties and the prevailing security situation.

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The proposal is now awaiting approval from the chief minister, who will decide on the procurement of the vehicles and the allocation of funds to enhance judicial security.