The caretaker Punjab government has drawn attention for allocating a staggering Rs2.3 billion to purchase new vehicles for assistant commissioners, additional deputy commissioners, and additional commissioners, as reported by The News.
This move comes amid a severe financial crisis faced by the country, raising concerns over such significant spending on luxury vehicles.
According to the notification issued on July 20, each tehsil’s assistant commissioner will receive a new double cabin 4×4 Revo-G M/T, while additional deputy commissioners (general) of each district will be provided with new Yaris ATIV 1.3L.
Additionally, each division’s additional commissioners will be allocated Corolla 1.6 Altis CVT. The notification further states that the current vehicles used by the assistant commissioners will be reassigned to tehsildars.
In another matter, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Punjab government to disburse pensions, including judicial allowance equivalent to three basic salaries, to all retired high court employees.
The LHC linked its decision to the “independence of judiciary,” citing a similar decision by the Sindh High Court. As per the order, retired employees who received judicial allowance as part of their monthly emoluments are entitled to include it in their pension calculations.
The government must re-calculate their pension within two months, incorporating the judicial allowance, and begin future payments accordingly. Furthermore, the government is required to pay arrears within three months, dating back from the initiation of pension payments.
The LHC emphasized the importance of implementing the notification issued by the High Court, which falls within the concept of independence of the judiciary, a significant aspect of Pakistan’s Constitution.
The government of Punjab was urged to act promptly and not oppose or delay the implementation of the notification, as it has chosen not to challenge its validity.
However, the LHC granted a one-month suspension of the judgment, allowing the government of Punjab to challenge the decision before the Supreme Court of Pakistan if desired.
Nonetheless, the LHC emphasized the need for expeditious and timely implementation of the notifications by making the necessary budgetary allocations in accordance with the rules of business.
