Official Statement Clarifies Timing and Procurement Process
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, a spokesperson labeled the reports as “misleading, factually incorrect, and appear to be based on incomplete information and mala fide intentions.” The Secretariat categorically rejected what it called “baseless insinuations” and urged media organizations to exercise due diligence.
Details of the Vehicle Acquisition Programme
According to the clarification, the vehicle in question was procured in May 2025 during the 2024-2025 financial year. The Secretariat emphasized that the purchase was made through a “transparent procurement process” as part of a broader vehicle replacement programme. This programme also included replacing vehicles for:
- The chairpersons of standing committees
- The Senate Deputy Chairman
- The Leader of the House
- The Leader of the Opposition
- The Secretariat itself
The spokesperson noted a distinction between the procurement and delivery dates, stating that while payment was made from the previous year’s budget savings in May 2025, the physical vehicle was delivered in March 2026.
Political Criticism Amid Economic Concerns
The official defense contrasts with criticism from within the parliament itself. A senator from the treasury benches, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed regret over the purchase. The senator highlighted the challenging national economic context, citing that over 70 million people live below the poverty line amid soaring inflation, and questioned the necessity of the expenditure.
The Secretariat’s statement concludes with a call for responsible journalism, stressing the importance of professional responsibility in reporting on state institutions.
