Mushahid Hussain Criticizes Rs9.6 Billion Bulletproof Vehicle Plan for 2027 SCO Summit

Islamabad:Senior PML-N leader and former senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has criticized the government’s plan to procure 45 bulletproof vehicles for the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in Pakistan.

In a statement on social media platform X, Mushahid Hussain said the government’s austerity programme had effectively collapsed, questioning the expenditure on high-end armoured vehicles for the summit.

Recent reports say the government plans to procure 45 bulletproof sedans at an estimated cost of Rs9.6 billion. The proposed fleet comprises 30 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S680 Guard vehicles and 15 BMW 760i xDrive armoured sedans.

The plan follows an earlier proposal for 65 vehicles. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the number be reduced to 45 after consultations with relevant ministries. The Economic Coordination Committee has already approved Rs6.6 billion for 30 Mercedes vehicles and Rs3 billion for 15 additional BMW armoured sedans.

Mushahid Hussain questioned the government’s justification for purchasing such a large number of bulletproof vehicles, referring to the number of SCO member states and foreign leaders expected to attend the summit.

The proposed procurement also requires an exemption from the government’s ban on the purchase of new vehicles imposed as part of its austerity measures. The authorities are also considering exemptions from applicable customs duties and taxes.

The 2027 SCO Council of Heads of State Summit is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad, with security and transportation arrangements for visiting foreign leaders among the preparations being made for the event.