A decision to purchase a luxury car worth PKR 90 million for Pakistan’s Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani has triggered criticism, especially as the country grapples with rising inflation and widespread economic hardship.
According to local media reports, the vehicle was procured from the Senate’s budget and has already been delivered to the Senate Secretariat in Islamabad. Responding to questions, Gilani confirmed the purchase, stating that the order had been placed in May last year using savings from the previous year’s budget.
“Yes, we purchased the car from the Senate budget, but it was ordered earlier,” Gilani said, adding that he had considered returning the vehicle given the current economic conditions, but was informed that it had already been delivered.
The development has drawn criticism from within political circles. A senator from the treasury benches, speaking anonymously, reportedly termed the purchase unnecessary at a time when over 70 million Pakistanis are living below the poverty line amid soaring inflation.
The controversy also comes against the backdrop of earlier concerns over high salaries for top officials. Last year, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb informed Parliament that the Senate Chairman and the National Assembly Speaker receive around PKR 2.15 million per month. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had criticised such increases as “economic obscenity.”
Meanwhile, reports have also surfaced about a proposal by the Punjab government to purchase 108 luxury vehicles worth PKR 1.14 billion for cabinet members and bureaucrats. While officials have denied final approval, sources indicate that recommendations are pending, with limited approvals already granted for bulletproof vehicles.
The developments have intensified public debate over government spending priorities amid ongoing economic challenges in Pakistan.
