Sindh Government Defends Rs 2 Billion Vehicle Purchase in SHC

The Sindh government vehicle purchase worth Rs 2 billion has come under scrutiny as the Sindh High Court (SHC) hears petitions challenging the procurement of 138 four-wheel-drive vehicles for assistant commissioners (ACs).

In its response to the court, the provincial government argued that the Sindh government vehicle purchase was a necessity, not a luxury, as ACs are responsible for critical administrative duties that require reliable transportation.

Sindh Government Defends Purchase as Necessary for Governance

The Sindh government vehicle purchase was justified by officials who claimed:

• The vehicles were already budgeted for the current financial year.
• Similar vehicle allocations exist in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for administrative officers.
• The purchase was centralized for transparency and accountability.
• ACs handle law enforcement, price control, election duties, and disaster management, often requiring off-road travel.

The Sindh government vehicle purchase is the first such acquisition in over a decade, with only one vehicle purchased in that period for a commissioner in Larkana.

Petitioners Challenge Sindh Government Vehicle Purchase

Opposing the Sindh government vehicle purchase, petitioners—including Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Mohammad Farooq—argue that:

• The province faces financial constraints, making this an unjustified expense.
• Most of Sindh’s terrain is flat, meaning off-road vehicles are unnecessary.
• The purchase is misuse of public funds, especially when budget deficits persist.

In September, the SHC halted the Sindh government vehicle purchase, issuing a stay order and asking for:

• A comparison with Punjab’s vehicle allocation policy.
• The legal justification for providing 4×4 vehicles to junior officers.

Government Urges Court to Lift Stay Order

The Sindh government vehicle purchase is being defended as a strategic administrative decision, and the government has requested the SHC to dismiss the petitions and allow procurement to proceed.

The SHC will now decide whether to uphold the Sindh government vehicle purchase or rule in favor of the petitioners challenging it.