PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to spend Rs770 million on providing bulletproof vehicles to administrative staff posted in the province’s merged and southern districts in view of the prevailing security situation.
According to official sources, a total of 135 bulletproof vehicles will be provided to assistant commissioners, additional assistant commissioners and tehsildars in as many as 16 districts.
Sources claimed the decision was taken during a recent provincial cabinet meeting after the Home and Tribal Affairs Department briefed members on the law and order situation in the affected regions.
The cabinet was reportedly reminded that on December 2, 2024, it had already approved the purchase of bulletproof vehicles for deputy commissioners, district police officers, and commissioners and DIGs of Malakand, Kohat, Peshawar, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
Officials said the July 2 attack on the assistant commissioner of Bajaur had once again highlighted the need for enhanced protection for government officers working in terror-hit areas. Sixteen sensitive districts were identified where ACs, ADCs and tehsildars required bulletproof vehicles.
The cabinet approved a phased plan to bulletproof these vehicles and formed a monitoring committee headed by the chief secretary, with the additional chief secretary (home), the finance secretary and the relevant deputy commissioner as members.
It also approved designating the vehicles of deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners in these districts as operational vehicles so they can be quickly replaced if damaged or destroyed in a terrorist incident.
Punjab to buy 4 bulletproof vehicles for VIPs
Earlier, on Wednesday, Punjab government had approved the purchase of four new bulletproof Mercedes vehicles for VIP security, each equipped with VR10-level advanced ballistic protection.
According to officials, each car will cost Rs182.5 million, bringing the total to over Rs730 million. With taxes amounting to Rs65.2 million, the overall expenditure will reach Rs795.4 million.
The vehicles will be procured from Shahnawaz Private Limited in accordance with Punjab Procurement Rules, officials said.