The Finance Committee has given the green light for the purchase of high-end vehicles for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. Reports reveal that a new imported Land Cruiser, valued at 100 million rupees, will be acquired for Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The committee has also approved the acquisition of new vehicles for the Deputy Speaker and the Assembly Secretary.
Additionally, two Vigo trucks worth 30 million rupees are set to be purchased to enhance the security of the Punjab Assembly Speaker. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and PPP’s Ali Haider Gilani have backed these vehicle purchases, arguing their necessity. However, the decision has faced strong criticism from the opposition.
They argue that acquiring such expensive vehicles amid current economic challenges is a blatant disregard for public sentiments. Finance Committee member Ali Imtiaz Virk has condemned the move, calling it an unnecessary extravagance and a mockery of the public. He has also announced plans for nationwide rallies, stressing that these will proceed only with the required No Objection Certificate (NOC).
This controversy highlights the ongoing debate about government spending priorities and public accountability, especially in times of economic strain..