Key Takeaways
- The Lahore High Court has introduced a subsidized vehicle ownership scheme for judicial officers in Punjab.
- Around 2,000 judges can buy their official vehicles for Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 350,000 under the new program.
- Eligible judges include those from various courts and deputation to higher courts.
The Lahore High Court has introduced a scheme allowing around 2,000 judicial officers in Punjab to purchase their official government vehicles at heavily discounted prices. This initiative aims to provide judges with the convenience of owning their assigned vehicles while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Under the new program, District and Sessions Judges, Additional District and Sessions Judges, Senior Civil Judges, Civil Judges, and Family Judges can buy their allotted Suzuki Alto, Toyota Corolla, or Honda City vehicles for between Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 350,000. The scheme also covers judges serving in specialized courts such as Anti-Terrorism, Accountability, Banking, FIA Special, Anti-Narcotics, Customs, and Labour Courts.
Judicial officers from the Punjab judiciary who are currently on deputation to the Islamabad High Court, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Constitutional Court, or federal and provincial law ministries will also qualify for this scheme. The Lahore High Court has directed eligible judges to submit pay orders in favor of the Registrar by July 22.
The implementation instructions were issued through a circular dated July 11, according to reports from The Express Tribune. Following the announcement, court staff reportedly began visiting banks to obtain necessary pay orders for the purchase process. The vehicles currently serve as official transport but will be transferred to the officers after they complete the purchase procedure.
The scheme is seen as an effort by the Lahore High Court to provide greater convenience and efficiency to judicial officers while adhering to cost constraints. It aims to streamline administrative processes and enhance the operational capabilities of judges in their respective jurisdictions.
While the program has been welcomed, some legal experts have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest or misuse of funds. However, the Lahore High Court maintains that the scheme is strictly regulated and designed to benefit judicial officers without compromising public trust.
