Govt defends purchase of 45 armored vehicles

ISLAMABAD:

The government on Wednesday defended its procurement of 45 bulletproof vehicles for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) Summit scheduled during August-September 2027 in Islamabad, saying the vehicles were essential to meet security requirements for the high-profile international gathering.

The Cabinet Division, in a statement shared by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on X, rejected what it described as "sceptical and unwarranted" criticism in the press and on social media over the purchase.

"The summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad during August-September 2027, will be the most high-profile gathering, second only to the 1973 OIC Summit. This will give Pakistan an opportunity to further raise its stature and honour amongst the comity of nations," the press release stated.

According to the statement, the summit would bring together heads of state and government as well as senior representatives of international organisations, making secure and reliable transport arrangements a critical requirement.