LAHORE:
The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has decided to purchase vehicles worth around Rs 70 million despite austerity guidelines issued by the provincial government.
According to sources, the commission proposed the acquisition of a luxury vehicle for its president as well as four cars for senior officials.
The summary was forwarded to the Punjab finance department for approval, but the timing and nature of the request raised questions.
“This development appears to be at odds with the province-wide austerity drive, under which all departments have been directed to cut non-essential expenditure. The policy includes restrictions on the purchase of vehicles, discretionary allowances and administrative luxuries,” said a senior official of the Punjab higher education department.
The sources said the justification presented by the commission revolved around “operational needs” and “mobility requirements”. However, administrations have shared transport pools and means of mobility.
They added that the commission had also recently paid honoraria to some employees, while payments amounting to millions of rupees were made without a transparent approval process.
“It’s not just about the cars, it’s also about the mindset,” one official said. “At a time when the government is asking all departments to tighten their belts, such decisions demonstrate 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 quietly considered,” said a PHEC official. “This undermines not only fiscal discipline but also public confidence in governance.”
With rising inflation, budgetary constraints and increasing demands on public services such as education and health, the allocation of millions of rupees for administrative luxuries seems difficult to justify.
Education stakeholders argue that funds should instead be spent on improving universities, supporting research and meeting the needs of students.
