Punjab govt releases Rs350 million for purchasing 20 armoured vehicles

The vehicles will be purchased in three phases through the current and up coming financial years,at a cost of Rs1.085b

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Wednesday approved a proposal by Punjab Police for purchase of 62 armoured vehicles, and has released Rs350 million for a batch of 20 vehicles in the coming days.

These vehicles will be purchased in the 2014-15 and the 2015-16 financial years in three phases. The 62 vehicles are expected to cost the exchequer a total of Rs1.085 billion, a senior police official told The Express Tribune on Wednesday.

“The estimated cost of each armoured vehicle is Rs17.5 million,” he explained.

An official of the home department added that the Punjab Home Department had agreed to the demand from the Punjab Police, and had recommended the Punjab government to approve it.

“The funds to purchase armoured vehicles would be provided from the allocated amount of Rs5 billion for maintenance of law and order.”

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Operations DIG Dr Haider said that securing the lives of police officials was important, especially in the aftermath of the Peshawar carnage. He added that there was constant threat from militants and extremist outfits as law enforcers implement the ongoing National Action Plan.

“These armoured vehicles would ensure smooth sailing for police officials in certain areas where they might not travel in other vehicles of the department,” he said, adding that it would boost morale of officials working in the field.

Another senior police official, who was privy to the development, said it is a great decision which reflects the government’s resolve towards investing more in policing, because there is absolutely no doubt that investment in policing pays off.

“Developed nations of the world had incorporated the financing of policing into the sphere of development, but unfortunately in Pakistan, policing is considered a non-developmental affair, perhaps because of the colonial hangover,” the official said.