In a bold yet controversial decision, the federal government has sanctioned an eye-watering Rs 440 million for President Asif Ali Zardari’s fleet of vehicles, a staggering leap from the Rs 90 million previously allotted for President Arif Alvi’s cars. This move comes at a time when Pakistan’s economy teeters on the brink of collapse, with soaring inflation, a devalued currency, and rising unemployment creating a perfect storm of financial instability.
The approval of such a substantial budget for Zardari’s convoy is particularly striking given the dire state of the nation’s finances. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has repeatedly stressed the need for austerity and fiscal responsibility, urging the government to cut down on non-essential expenditures. However, the allocation of Rs 440 million for a presidential convoy appears to be a stark contradiction to these recommendations.
Adding fuel to the fire, the government has also allocated over Rs 60 million for the maintenance of the gardens at the President House, currently hosting Zardari. Official documents reveal that the budget for garden upkeep in the 2024-25 fiscal year has more than doubled, soaring from Rs 30 million to Rs 63.33 million. An army of nearly 85 gardeners will now tend to the verdant grounds of the President’s House in Islamabad.
Zardari, whose tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, is no stranger to controversy. His presidency was characterized by numerous scandals, including the infamous Swiss cases, which accused him of amassing vast amounts of wealth through illicit means. Critics argue that Zardari’s return to a position of power, coupled with the extravagant spending on his personal comforts, is a slap in the face to the millions of Pakistanis struggling to make ends meet.
The opulent spending spree is sure to ignite a firestorm of criticism as Pakistan navigates through its economic woes. Citizens are left questioning the priorities of a government that seems more focused on luxury for the elite than on addressing the pressing needs of its populace. The stark contrast between the lavish expenditures on Zardari’s convoy and gardens and the harsh economic realities faced by ordinary Pakistanis paints a troubling picture of the country’s current trajectory.
As Pakistan grapples with its economic challenges, the decision to allocate such vast sums for presidential comforts sends a troubling message. The nation’s leadership faces mounting pressure to justify these expenses in the face of widespread financial hardship and to demonstrate a commitment to economic reform and stability.