Proposed purchase of luxury vehicle for CM’s adviser sparks outrage

PESHAWAR: The Department of Social Welfare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has come under scrutiny for its recommendation to purchase expensive vehicles for female officials, sparking controversy over the allocation of public funds.

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The department’s proposal to procure a Toyota Fortuner for advisor Mashal Azam Yousafzai has raised eyebrows, especially considering the hefty price tag of Rs 17.1 million. Reports indicate that the condition of her current vehicle is subpar, which is why this upgradation is proposed by the provincial government.

Adding to the outrage, it has been revealed that Secretary Social Welfare Aneela Mahfooz Durrani has been allocated a new Kia Sportage vehicle, valued at Rs 7.3 million. These extravagant expenses have prompted questions regarding the justification for such purchases, particularly amid ongoing efforts to curb non-developmental expenditure in the province.

Despite these revelations, Finance Advisor Muzzammil Aslam has vehemently denied receiving any formal summary regarding the procurement of new vehicles.

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In response to the controversy, the provincial government has reiterated its adherence to fiscal prudence and austerity measures.

Both the finance department and the cabinet have reportedly rejected similar demands from various departments, Aslam said, adding that the provincial government is working on streamlining expenditures and maximising resources for developmental initiatives.