The Sindh government has issued a clarification regarding the purchase of new vehicles for Assistant Commissioners (ACs) across the province, stating that the issue has been presented out of context.
According to the Sindh government spokesperson, questions raised in the electronic and print media about the decision to allocate 2 billion rupees for purchasing vehicles for ACs lack context and have misrepresented the necessity and reasoning behind the decision.
The spokesperson emphasized that Assistant Commissioners are the backbone of the provincial administration, playing a crucial role in implementing government policies and maintaining law and order, controlling prices, eradicating polio, managing floods, inspecting schools and hospitals, overseeing land administration, election duties, and performing other essential tasks.
The government’s statement noted that these officers often work around the clock and in remote areas to ensure the smooth functioning of the government machinery. The last time vehicles were purchased for ACs was in 2010 and 2012, and those were second-hand vehicles with an average lifespan of 8 years.
The statement further explained that most of the vehicles bought previously have surpassed their lifespan and have been driven far beyond their limits, leading to frequent mechanical issues. Some officers are even using models from before 2005.
Due to the deterioration of these vehicles, many Assistant Commissioners have been forced to use their private vehicles for official duties, which is neither practical nor fair. Moreover, some officers do not even own private vehicles and are compelled to rent them to fulfill their official duties and respond to emergencies.
Furthermore, the Sindh government has decided to purchase new double-cabin vehicles worth 2 billion rupees to reduce the public funds currently being spent on repairing and maintaining old vehicles. Once the new vehicles are operational, millions in repair costs will be saved.
The government clarified that the double-cabin vehicles being purchased for Assistant Commissioners do not fall under the category of luxury vehicles. These are operational vehicles, and the government will ensure cost-effectiveness by purchasing the most basic models.
Additionally, the government is actively inspecting and repairing unusable vehicles through motor vehicle inspectors, paving the way for an open auction of irreparable assets. Efforts are also ongoing to recover government vehicles currently under unauthorized possession. As a result, over 50% of such vehicles have already been recovered and reassigned to relevant departments and field offices.
The statement also highlighted that the decision to purchase operational vehicles for Assistant Commissioners is not unique to the Sindh government, as other provinces have similarly equipped their administrative officers with transportation facilities. Calling this decision extravagant is misleading, as ACs often travel to remote areas to fulfill their responsibilities during emergencies. It is the government’s duty to ensure that field officers use functional and reliable vehicles to maintain the integrity of the provincial administration.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of flood victims and other critical issues. However, there can be no compromise on the operational performance of administrative officers. The expenditure for purchasing vehicles for field officers is a justified and necessary decision aimed at enhancing the administrative capacity of officers and improving public service delivery. It is time to recognize the important role these officers play and support measures that enable them to serve the public more effectively.
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