Official Statement Calls Media Claims Factually Incorrect
The Senate Secretariat has issued a firm rebuttal to recent media reports concerning the purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser for Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani. In a statement released on Monday, the Secretariat labeled the coverage as “misleading, factually incorrect, and appear[ing] to be based on incomplete information and mala fide intentions.” The body urged media organizations to exercise greater diligence when reporting on state institutions.
Details of the Procurement and Vehicle Replacement Program
According to an official spokesperson, the vehicle was procured in May 2025 as part of the 2024-2025 financial year’s budget. The purchase was conducted through what the Secretariat describes as a “transparent procurement process” under a broader vehicle replacement initiative.
The program was not limited to the Chairman’s office. The spokesperson clarified that it also included the replacement of official vehicles for:
- The chairpersons of various standing committees
- The Senate Deputy Chairman
- The Leader of the House
- The Leader of the Opposition
- Other Secretariat requirements
The spokesperson provided a key clarification on the timeline: while payment was processed from the previous fiscal year’s budget savings in May 2025, the physical vehicle was delivered in March 2026.
Anonymous Senator Voices Concern Over Timing
Despite the Secretariat’s defense, the purchase has drawn criticism from within the legislature. A senator from the treasury benches, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed regret over the acquisition. The senator pointed to the challenging national economic context, noting that over 70 million Pakistanis live below the poverty line amid soaring inflation, making such an expenditure appear “needless.”
Secretariat Stands Firm on Procedure
The Senate Secretariat concluded its statement by categorically rejecting what it called “baseless insinuations.” It emphasized that all procedures were followed correctly within the framework of the government’s vehicle replacement policy, aiming to put the matter to rest amid public scrutiny.
