ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticized the Punjab government for allocating over Rs7.5 billion toward the procurement of luxury vehicles and funding elite government offices.
This move comes at a time when the people of Punjab are grappling with inflation, joblessness, and deteriorating public services.
PTI Punjab spokesman Shayan Bashir voiced the party’s outrage in a statement on X, condemning the expenditures as disconnected from ground realities.
Punjab’s rulers claim austerity for the people, but they’ve just splurged Rs. 7.5 billion on 283 luxury vehicles for VIPs. This isn’t governance, it’s elite capture at its worst. (1/n)
🔗 https://t.co/nx2daWUPPQ— Shayan Bashir (@ShayanBashirPTI) June 19, 2025
He pointed out that the purchase includes 283 high-end vehicles, among them 10 bulletproof Toyota Land
Cruisers and V8s priced at Rs500 million each for senior police officials.
Additionally, 48 protocol vehicles costing Rs900 million and 76 vehicles for ministers and bureaucrats valued at Rs710 million are included in the plan.
Elite Spending Sparks Public Backlash
According to PTI, the budget documents expose a massive increase in spending for elite government offices.
The Governor House budget jumped by an unprecedented 870%, reaching Rs1.53 billion.
Budgets for provincial ministers rose by 204% to Rs1.07 billion, while the Chief Minister’s Office saw a 19% hike to Rs1.46 billion.
The Punjab Assembly’s allocation increased by 47%, now standing at Rs7.38 billion.
PTI further revealed that commissioner offices overspent by Rs319 million last year, with the new budget now pegged at Rs1.85 billion.
The Chief Minister’s Inspection Team also received a 26% increase, despite earlier unauthorized expenditures of Rs182 million.
PTI Demands Audit and Legal Action
The party labeled the spending pattern as “reckless” and a betrayal of public trust.
It stated that vital sectors like health, education, and agriculture continue to suffer due to underfunding.
Farmers, in particular, have received no crop-loss support or procurement policies, exacerbating rural distress.
PTI has called on NAB to launch a forensic audit of all luxury vehicle purchases and questionable budget increases.
The party demands reversal of unauthorized allocations and criminal accountability for those misusing public funds.
Shayan Bashir emphasized that PTI will challenge this budget in the Assembly, in courts, and across the province.
“This budget is a clear declaration that the Punjab government values its own luxury far above the survival and dignity of its citizens,” he stated.
