LHC seeks complete record of vehicles under Punjab govt's control
Pakistan
Justice Syed of LHC warns authorities concerned of strict action if a satisfactory answer is not giv
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought complete record of the vehicles under the control of provincial departments and in the use of bureaucrats in Punjab, observing that the relevant officials would be summoned if the satisfactory answer was not submitted.
“How many vehicles are with the provincial departments and under the use of bureaucrats in Punjab?,” Justice Risal Hassan Syed asked the relevant authorities while passing the orders on a plea moved by a local citizen challenging purchase of new cars for the bureaucrats.
The decision came a day after the Punjab caretaker government announced that it would buy new cars for deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, and released billions of rupees funds.
Justice Syed also warned that the relevant officer would be summoned in the personal capacity to explain his position if the satisfactory answer was not given on the subject matter.
“An appropriate order will be issued after court’s satisfaction,” the judge remarked.
The petitioner through his counsel argued that the federal government secured a loan deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) against tough conditions. The government, he argued, imposed heavy taxes on the public after IMF deal.
He submitted that the people were making suicide attempts due to high inflation and poverty in the country. The counsel told the court that the government instead of providing any relief to the masses was buying new vehicles for the bureaucrats.
The petitioner’s counsel also questioned the powers of the provincial interim government, submitting that billions of rupees were issued to buy the new vehicles for the officers.
He submitted that the Punjab government released Rs2.33 billion despite the fact that the commissioners and assistant commissioners had already sufficient number of vehicles under their control.
The petitioner asked the court to set aside the government’s decision. However, the law officer, representing the Punjab government, opposed the plea with a contention that “it is not maintainable”.
After hearing both sides, Justice Risal Hasan Syed summoned details of all the vehicles under control of the provincial departments and in the use of the bureaucrats and adjourned the hearing for next 10 days.
