LAHORE:
The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has taken steps to purchase vehicles worth around Rs 70 crore despite austerity directives issued by the provincial government.
According to sources, the commission has proposed purchasing a luxury vehicle for its president and four cars for senior officials.
The summary was sent to the Punjab Finance Department for approval, but the timing and nature of the request have raised questions.
“This appears to be in contradiction to the province-wide austerity drive under which all departments have been instructed to limit non-essential expenditure. The policy includes restrictions on vehicle purchases, discretionary allowances and administrative luxuries,” said a senior official at the Punjab Higher Education Department.
Sources said the justification presented by the commission revolved around “operational needs” and “mobility requirements.” However, government departments are equipped with transportation pools and shared mobility resources.
They added that the commission had also recently disbursed fees to some employees amid allegations that payments worth millions of rupees had been made without a transparent approval process.
“It’s not just about cars, it’s about a mentality,” said one official. “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 expenses are approved, they could set a precedent for other departments.
“Austerity policies lose their meaning when exceptions are quietly contemplated,” 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 like education and healthcare, allocation of crores of rupees for administrative luxuries seems difficult to justify.
Education stakeholders argue that funds should go to improving universities, supporting research and addressing student needs.
