Karachi: The Sindh government has officially denied allegations of improper expenditure concerning the allocation of 2 billion rupees for the purchase of double cabin vehicles for Assistant Commissioners (ACs), describing the media reports as lacking context and misrepresenting the actual necessity of the expenditure. The rebuttal addressed various misunderstandings circulating in the electronic and print media about the decision to update the provincial administration’s vehicle fleet.

According to Chief Minister of Sindh, the role of Assistant Commissioners is crucial in implementing government policies and maintaining essential administrative functions across the province. These duties include maintaining law and order, managing price control, eradicating polio, managing floods, inspecting educational and health facilities, overseeing land administration, handling election duties, and other critical tasks. The statement emphasized that the last significant vehicle purchase for the ACs occurred between 2010 and 2012, involving Suzuki Cultus cars, which now, after extensive usage and aging, are mostly out of operation with many having traveled around 0.8 million kilometers.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the decision to purchase new vehicles is rooted in practicality and necessity rather than luxury. The double cabin vehicles intended for purchase are described as basic operational vehicles, not luxury ones, chosen to ensure cost-effectiveness while adequately serving the demanding needs of field officers. The Sindh government has also noted savings in public funds that were previously spent on frequent repairs and maintenance of the old fleet. Moreover, efforts have been made to recover government vehicles in unauthorized possession, with more than 50 percent already reclaimed and reassigned.

Additionally, the statement provided a comparative perspective, noting that similar provisions have been made by other provincial governments, including the Punjab government’s recent allocation of 2.3 billion rupees for vehicles for their administrative officers to ensure efficient governance.

The Sindh government asserts that equipping ACs with functional and reliable vehicles is a fundamental requirement for effective administration and is not a luxury. The initiative aims to enhance the administrative capabilities of the officers and improve public service delivery, ensuring that they can reach remote areas and handle emergencies promptly. The government remains committed to addressing critical issues like flood management while ensuring no compromise on the operational efficiency of its officers.