Cabinet Division imports eight luxury cars despite ban

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Division has imported and bought eight luxury vehicles worth more than Rs70 million for protocol duties, despite the ban on purchasing new cars imposed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement government led by prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to a document submitted by the Cabinet Division to the Senate of Pakistan, the luxury vehicles were purchased between April 2022 and February 2023. They include a 29-seater VIP Coaster, a 14-seater high-roof, and six 1800 CC cars.

Shehbaz Sharif had announced austerity measures in 2021, due to the fragile economy and poor economic affairs of the country. He had said that all luxury cars being used by babinet members would be auctioned, and they would travel in economy class while abroad and on local trips. He had also stated that the security of government officials would be reduced, and Cabinet members would not use luxury cars.

Proposed measures to restrict luxury imports in Pakistan

However, official sources within the Cabinet Division said that they had requested the Finance Division to purchase 15 new vehicles, and the austerity committee of the Finance Division had approved the purchase of eight new vehicles.

The document cited Rule 28 of the Rules for Use of Staff Cars 1980, which provides that the Cabinet Division shall maintain a central pool of cars for the use of visiting delegates, dignitaries, state guests, ministers, advisors, special assistants to the prime minister, and other officials as specified under the rules.

The vehicles were purchased for the use of protocol duties with visiting foreign delegates and dignitaries.