‘Bulletproof vehicles only for vulnerable officials’

Lahore

The Punjab Home Department has refused to disclose information under Right to Information Act regarding use of bulletproof vehicles by government officials .

In response to a query submitted under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, the information officer of Punjab Home Department admitted that bulletproof vehicles were being used by those officers whose nature of duty was very sensitive and they were potentially high-value targets.

However, according to an official letter dated February 15, 2017, information relating to use of bulletproof vehicles is sensitive and cannot be shared in terms of Section 11 of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013.

The information was sought by a resident of Islamabad who had requested the Home Department to provide information regarding use of bulletproof vehicles by the government servants.

Meanwhile, sources said that use of ‘officially bought and maintained’ bulletproof vehicles or armoured vehicles have become a norm for various quarters keeping in view challenges associated with peculiar law and order situation in the country. However, in certain circumstances, having a bulletproof vehicle is considered a privilege, especially if its cost is to be borne by the government, said sources.