The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday ordered confiscation of all government vehicles given to ministers and government officials without official entitlement. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar passed this order and observed that anyone who needed bulletproof vehicle should buy it from his own pocket. The top court also summoned former federal law minister Zahid Hamid to explain as to why he used the official car.
The bench also sought details about the security provided to the people and officials without the required entitlement including Salman Shahbaz and MNA Hamza Shahbaz. Earlier, DIG Abdur Rab informed the court that security of 246 people had been withdrawn. However, 114 people had been provided security on the recommendations of the committee made by the court, the officer said.
"Come up with verified report within 24 hours," the CJP directed the IGP and put off further proceedings for a week. The top judge, who had been on official visit of China, had already directed the federal and provincial cabinet secretaries on April 14 to submit record of all ministers and officials using Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and luxury cars without official entitlement.
A law officer also furnished a detailed report stating that 105 government-owned automobiles were in the use by the members of the federal cabinet and departments, whereas 191 are being used by Punjab's cabinet and departments. The report said no government official could have any official car in excess of 1800cc.
The report also said that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had a Land Cruiser and three double cabin automobiles whereas federal ministers Abid Sher Ali and Kamran Michael had been using Mercedes Benz. The officer informed the court that Opposition Leader in National Assembly Khursheed Shah and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali both have a bulletproof car.
During the proceedings, the bench asked about former federal law minister Zahid Hamid that why he was using the official car. The Chief Justice directed the chief secretary to impound all the government vehicles that are being used beyond their official entitlement by this midnight.
"All those who have been involved in the same practice would also be summoned," the CJP remarked. The court also directed the Advocate General of Punjab to present the correct information in his regard. The CJP directed the government to take back two extra vehicles given to Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a bulletproof car in possessions of Punjab Law Minister Rana Sana Ullah.
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