CJP directs to submit records of luxury vehicles beyond entitlement

LAHORE: While hearing the suo moto case against highp rofile officials using luxury vehicles beyond entitlement, Supreme Court on Friday asked for the records of approval given by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for using luxury vehicles owing to security risks.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar was heading a three-member bench hearing the case at the Supreme Court’s Lahore Registry. Additional Attorney General (AAG) Nayyar Abbas Rizvi informed the court that outgoing prime minister permitted the use of luxury vehicle for higher officials due to security risks.

The Chief Justice enquired about the laws under which the prime minister granted such approval. He further ordered AAG to submit the record of prime minister’s approval for court’s review.

“Taxpayers are crying out of poverty and ministers are using luxury vehicles worth millions,” CJP said.

On the directives of court, former Law Minister Zahid Hamid appeared in the case to explain his right of possessing luxury vehicles. He stated before the court that he only uses one vehicle which was approved by the Cabinet Division.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ordered government officials and departments to return vehicles in their possession without merit. AAG informed the court that thirty vehicles has been withdrawn from the officials so far.

He presented a report regarding the luxury vehicles being used by members of the federal cabinet and departments of the federation.  He said a total of 105 such vehicles were in the use of the federal government and the cabinet. He said that ministers could not use a vehicle above 1800cc.

The hearing has adjourned till tomorrow.