LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet has approved the purchase of 42 night-vision and thermal security cameras worth over Rs.525 million, setting aside objections raised by the provincial finance department, fuelling debate over spending priorities and recently launched austerity drive in the wake of ongoing war in the Middle East.
Media reports suggest the decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where the home department was authorized to procure modern surveillance equipment, including night-vision thermal cameras and high-resolution systems.
According to official details available from media reports, around Rs.372.7m will be spent on 20 night-vision devices, while an additional Rs.112.6m has been allocated for 12 high-resolution cameras and related equipment. The equipment is intended for deployment in VIP security and at sensitive locations, and will be handed over to law enforcement agencies, including the police, Elite Force and the Counter Terrorism Department.
Officials said the procurement aims to strengthen surveillance capacity and assist in identifying and apprehending suspects involved in incidents such as the vandalism at Jinnah House.
However, sources said the finance department had raised reservations over the expenditure, citing ongoing fiscal constraints and the need to limit non-essential spending. Despite these concerns, the cabinet approved the summary, effectively overruling the department’s objections.
The development comes as both federal and provincial governments continue to advocate austerity measures in Pakistan, including curbs on administrative expenses and energy-saving initiatives.
While authorities maintain that security-related spending falls under essential expenditure and is therefore exempt from austerity curbs, the approval has drawn attention in policy circles. Observers note that, from a public perception standpoint — particularly in a tight economic environment — such high-value procurements can appear inconsistent with broader austerity messaging.
