The government has defended its decision to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Islamabad.
According to a statement shared by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the Cabinet Division said the vehicles will be used during the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in August-September 2027.
Pakistan currently chairs the SCO Council of Heads of State. The government said the summit will be among the country’s major international events, with heads of state, governments, and international organisations expected to participate.
Govt Cites Security Needs For Purchase
The Cabinet Division said visiting dignitaries require transportation that meets international security standards. It added that enhanced protection is particularly necessary because of Pakistan’s existing security situation and threats from hostile external elements.
The government also said the latest bulletproof vehicles currently available with the Cabinet Division are 2016 models. According to the statement, those vehicles do not meet the standards required for the upcoming summit.
The purchase was discussed at several forums before authorities finalized the number of vehicles. The Cabinet Division said 45 vehicles represent the minimum requirement for the event.
Around 300 Vehicles To Be Rented
The government clarified that it will not purchase around 300 other vehicles required for the summit. Instead, authorities will arrange those vehicles through rentals.
The Cabinet Division urged the public to view the SCO summit as an opportunity to raise Pakistan’s international profile. It also said the event should not be trivialized or politicized.
Officials emphasized that the bulletproof vehicles are being procured specifically to meet security and transportation requirements for visiting dignitaries during the major diplomatic gathering.
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