ISLAMABAD:Despite claims of austerity, the Balochistan government has come under scrutiny for its decision to purchase 55 new cars worth over 23 crore rupees, while failing to recover vehicles still in the possession of former caretaker ministers, advisors, and influential individuals.

According to official documents obtained by **V News**, the Balochistan Department of Services and General Administration (S&GAD) currently has 527 vehicles in its fleet, of which 502 are active, and 25 are non-functional. Notably, 38 of these vehicles are still being held by former caretaker ministers and advisors, while 5 vehicles are in the hands of influential figures, despite the government’s repeated attempts to reclaim them.

The fleet includes 77 vehicles assigned to S&GAD officers, 21 vehicles for the Chief Secretary’s office, and 44 vehicles used by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. Additionally, 47 vehicles are assigned to Balochistan House in Islamabad and Karachi. The department also manages 166 vehicles used by other government departments, commissioners, and district commissioners.

The maintenance and operation of these vehicles incur a significant cost to the provincial exchequer. According to the documents, the annual fuel and repair costs for these 250 vehicles amount to approximately 18 crore rupees, further straining the province’s already limited resources.

In a controversial move, the Balochistan Assembly has awarded a contract to a local company for the purchase of 55 new 2024-model cars, at a cost of over 23 crore rupees. The vehicles, intended for government officers, are priced at 42 lakh rupees each. The deadline for the delivery of the vehicles has been set for January 25, 2025.

This decision has sparked criticism, especially given the ongoing financial challenges faced by the province. The provincial government had previously announced austerity measures aimed at reducing unnecessary expenditures. However, critics argue that the purchase of new vehicles undermines the government’s own fiscal discipline efforts.

Senior journalists in Balochistan have voiced concerns over the misuse of public funds. They argue that while the government claims a lack of funds for essential sectors such as education and healthcare, millions are being spent on luxury vehicles, maintenance, and fuel. They suggest that if these funds were redirected towards critical areas like education and healthcare, the province’s development could take a significant leap forward.

The controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and prioritization of resources in Balochistan, with many urging the government to reconsider its spending patterns in light of the province’s pressing socio-economic challenges.