LAHORE:
The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has moved to buy vehicles worth about Rs 70 million despite austerity directives issued by the provincial government.
According to sources, the commission has proposed the purchase of a luxury vehicle for its chairman along with four cars for senior officials.
The summary has been sent to the Punjab Finance Department for approval, but the timing and nature of the request have raised questions.
“The development appears to be at odds with the province-wide austerity campaign under which all departments were directed to curb unnecessary expenditure. The policy includes restrictions on purchase of vehicles, discretionary allowances and administrative luxuries,” said a senior Punjab Higher Education Department official.
The sources said the rationale put forward by the commission revolved around “operational needs” and “mobility requirements”. However, public authorities are equipped with transport pools and shared mobility resources.
They added that the commission had also recently paid honorarium to some staff over allegations that payments of millions of rupees had been made without a transparent approval process.
“This isn’t just about cars, it’s about a mindset,” one official said. “At a time when the government is asking all departments to tighten their belts, such decisions show a disregard for public trust and fiscal responsibility.”
Financial analysts warn that if such spending is approved, it could set a precedent for other departments.
“Austerity policies lose their meaning when exceptions are entertained,” a PHEC official said. “This undermines not only fiscal discipline but also public confidence in governance.”
With rising inflation, budget constraints and increasing demands for public services such as education and healthcare, the allocation of millions of rupees for administrative luxuries seems difficult to justify.
Education stakeholders argue that funds should instead be directed to improving universities, supporting research and addressing student needs.
