MISUSE OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLES IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan, a country grappling with numerous crises, primarily economic, seems to be in dire need of bold steps to address its problems. Despite being aware of the practices followed by developed nations, we often fail to emulate their successes. One such area where we can make a significant change is the misuse of government vehicles.

 It's a common sight to witness bureaucrats, including Assistant Commissioners, DCs, and even clerks and accountants, using government vehicles for personal purposes. These vehicles drop their occupants at the office, only to later be utilized by their drivers for activities unrelated to official duties. The absence of fixed office timings and a lack of checks and balances on attendance make this misuse rampant. In many cases, government vehicles end up ferrying officers' children to schools, colleges, and universities, only to return to their residences, where their spouses take over the wheels for leisurely activities like visiting the gym, parlor, and shopping at various malls, restaurants, and clubs. 

    The green number plates of these government vehicles have become a common sight outside these establishments in the evenings. 

    Even in Developed Countries The PM use public transport either Bus, Train or Cycle to attend office. This practice raises the question of whether government vehicles are provided for these personal purposes.

                        

MISUSE OF GOVT VEHICLE CARRYING BRIDE& GROOM

 These vehicles are intended solely for official use. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there seems to be little regard for this principle, as reports suggest that a significant percentage of these vehicles are used for non-official activities. 

GOVT VEHICLE USED FOR PICNIC AT SEA .

    In a report from Dawn on January 25, 2023, it was revealed that every government vehicle is officially provided 200 liters of fuel, which is in addition to unofficial use for ambulances and generators. 

    By curbing this misuse, the government could save a substantial amount – an estimated $22 million per month and $264 million per year. Furthermore, the government bears the expenses of maintenance and driver salaries.

     According to Express Tribune on March 3, 2014, over 30% of government vehicles are not registered. Out of these, 4,000 are used by Sindh Police and another 4,000 by other departments, making it difficult to trace their activities. Additionally, hundreds of vehicles use fake government numbers, further exacerbating the problem.

SINDH GOVERNMENT DOES NOT REGISTER THEIR VEHICLES

 

    The misuse of government vehicles is not limited to low-ranking officials; even high-ranking officials are involved. Dawn reported on August 11, 2022, that many Federal Secretaries possess more than one government vehicle for personal use and withdraw an additional 95,000 per month as a transport allowance. 

    The scale of the issue is staggering, as reported by Express Tribune on March 16, 2014, where it is suggested that the Sindh Government may own as many as 40,000 or more vehicles. The absence of proper record-keeping in the form of logbooks only facilitates this widespread misuse. 

    Some Officials ASI Officers, Judges ,Federal Secretaries etc are allowed to use their allotted government vehicles for personal use with fixed mileage/ month or they should pay in case they exceed this they have to pay as per rule but if they fail and after enquiry they are to be punished as per rules . 

                        CONCLUSION 

    To combat this problem, the government could implement a car-sharing policy, utilizing large buses and vans for office pick-ups and drops, similar to private industries and enterprises. Department logos should be prominently displayed on both sides of the vehicles. For emergency or outdoor visits, a pool of cars or staff cars should be reserved for the exclusive use of entitled officials.

     A strict system of checks and balances with accountability mechanisms should be put in place to ensure compliance. The misuse of government vehicles is a significant concern, and it's time for Pakistan to address this issue and take steps to save precious resources, reduce misuse, and restore public trust. It may require political will and commitment, but the potential benefits are substantial and well worth the effort.