In a recent development, the Sindh government has recently addressed concerns about its decision to purchase luxury vehicles for assistant commissioners. In a statement issued on Thursday, a government spokesperson, Rasheed Channa, defended the allocation of Rs 2 billion for 138 new double-cabin vehicles, arguing that recent media reports have misrepresented the situation and therefore the Sindh government has readdressed this situation.
As per reports from Dawn, the General Administration, and Coordination Department of Sindh government recently sent a request to the Finance Department for the release of approximately Rs2 billion. This substantial sum is intended for the purchase of 138 double-cabin (4×4) vehicles for assistant commissioners across the province.
According to the official notification issued earlier this week, “Finance Department, Government of Sindh, is therefore, requested to release entire withheld funds amounting to Rs1,991,892,000/= allocated under head of account SC2114(114)-Board of Revenue-A09501-Purchase of Transport by placing the same at the disposal of Senior Member, Board of Revenue, Sindh, to procure 138 vehicles (4×4 Double Cabin) in respect of Assistant Commissioners through centralised procurement mechanism in one go, during current financial year, 2024-25, as per rules/policy.”
However, it is pertinent to mention here that the spokesperson of the Chief Minister house, Rasheed Channa, stated, “It is a necessary expense, as vehicles are required for official duties, particularly in rural areas of the province.”
On the other hand, Sindh government further clarified the issue by stating, “Assistant commissioners are the backbone of provincial administration. They are responsible for a range of duties, including maintaining law and order, flood management, inspections, and electoral work.”
It further stated, “These are not luxury cars but operational vehicles. This decision is a necessary and justified step to enhance the administrative capabilities of our officers, ensuring they can serve the public effectively.”
