LAHORE:
The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has moved to purchase vehicles worth around Rs70 million despite austerity directives issued by the provincial government.
According to sources, the commission has proposed the procurement of a luxury vehicle for its chairman along with four cars for senior officials.
The summary has been forwarded to the Punjab Finance Department for approval but the timing and nature of the request have raised questions.
“The development appears to be in contradiction to the province-wide austerity campaign under which all departments were instructed to curb unessential spending. The policy includes restrictions on vehicle purchases, discretionary allowances and administrative luxuries,” said a senior official of Punjab Higher Education Department.
The sources said the justification presented by the commission revolved around “operational needs” and “mobility requirements”. However, government departments are equipped with transport pools and shared mobility resources.
They added that the commission had also recently disbursed honoraria to some employees amid allegations that payments amounting to millions of rupees had been made without a transparent approval process.
“This is not just about cars as it is about a mindset,” said an official. “At a time when the government is asking every department to tighten belts, such decisions show a disregard for public trust and fiscal responsibility.”
Financial analysts warn that if such expenditures are approved, it could set a precedent for other departments.
“Austerity policies lose their meaning when exceptions are quietly entertained,” said a PHEC official. “This undermines not only fiscal discipline but also public confidence in governance.”
With rising inflation, budget constraints and increasing demands on public services such as education and healthcare, the allocation of millions of rupees for administrative luxuries appears difficult to justify.
Education stakeholders argue that funds should instead be directed toward improving universities, supporting research and addressing student needs.
