In a move to significantly bolster the security of the judiciary, the Punjab Police has formally requested a supplementary grant of Rs. 238.6 million. The proposal, forwarded by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar, aims to procure and upgrade a fleet of luxury vehicles for judges serving in Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATC) across the province. The summary has been sent to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for final approval, citing an “escalating threat environment” as the primary driver for the request.
Financial Breakdown: Where the Money Goes
The total cost is divided into two main categories: the acquisition of the vehicles and the specialized armoring required to make them bulletproof.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Details |
| New Luxury Vehicles | Rs. 141.8 Million | Cost for 11 new vehicles (~Rs. 12.8m each) |
| Bulletproofing/Armoring | Rs. 96.8 Million | Cost for armoring 11 vehicles (~Rs. 8.8m each) |
| Total Grant Requested | Rs. 238.6 Million |
Why Now? The Security Context
The request comes at a time when the Pakistani judicial system, particularly those handling terrorism and high-profile criminal cases, is facing heightened risks. Key points highlighted in the police summary include:
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Targeted Threats: Judges of the Anti-Terrorism Courts are frequently involved in cases against militant organizations and organized crime, making them high-priority targets.
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Security Assessment: A detailed threat assessment attached to the summary suggests that current security measures need to be modernized to counter evolving tactics used by anti-state elements.
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Judicial Integrity: Ensuring the physical safety of judges is seen as a prerequisite for an independent and fearless judiciary.
The Decision Makers
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Security Division, who acts as the focal person for judicial security, prepared the detailed report. The final execution of this plan now rests with the provincial government. If approved, these 11 vehicles will be deployed immediately to high-risk judicial officers to ensure their safety during transit between courts and residences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the Punjab Police requesting these vehicles now?
The request is driven by an escalating threat environment. A detailed security assessment indicates that judges of the Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATC) are facing serious risks due to the high-profile nature of the cases they handle, involving militant organizations and organized crime.
2. How many vehicles are being requested and for whom?
The proposal includes the purchase and armoring of 11 luxury vehicles. These are specifically intended for judges serving in the Anti-Terrorism Courts across the province of Punjab to ensure their safety during travel.
3. What is the total cost, and how is it broken down?
The total grant requested is Rs. 238.6 million. This is divided into:
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Purchase of 11 new vehicles: Rs. 141.8 million (approx. Rs. 12.8 million per car).
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Armoring/Bulletproofing: Rs. 96.8 million (approx. Rs. 8.8 million per car).
4. Who initiated this proposal and who will approve it ?
The summary was prepared by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Security Division, who is the focal person for judicial security. It was formally forwarded by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for final approval.
5. Is this the only recent spending on security vehicles in Punjab?
No. In late 2025, the Punjab government approved a much larger grant of Rs. 1.2 billion for the procurement of 20 armored security vehicles for the police force itself. These are intended for high-risk operations like riots and anti-terror raids, whereas the Rs. 238 million request is specifically for judicial protection.
6. Why are “luxury” vehicles being bought instead of standard ones?
Luxury SUVs are often chosen for armoring because their engines and chassis are powerful enough to handle the immense added weight of steel plating and ballistic glass without compromising performance or safety during an emergency getaway.
