ISLAMABAD, March 21: The National Assembly was informed on Monday that the government had spent Rs1.8 billion to purchase 43 luxury vehicles, including latest models of Mercedes Benz, over the past three years. The government placed the record of purchase of vehicles before the house in reply to a question by MNA Dr Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair. The lawmaker had sought details of the total number of cars, along with their models and total cost, purchased during the past three years.

The record showed that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had sanctioned the purchase of 22 latest Mercedes Benz, which were bought in the first two months of 2005. The 2005 model Mercedes Benz purchased during January and February included 10 M/Benz G500, 10 M/Benz S600L, and two M/Benz S500L (Pullman). Four Toyota Corollas were also purchased during 2005.

It also showed purchase of four M/Benz in 2004. During the tenure of prime minister Jamali, the government had purchased eight Toyota Corollas.

The record showed that 43 vehicles had been purchased for Rs1.8 billion when the 45 vehicles of different make and model, including 31 Mercedes Benz cars, were already available in the central pool of cars in the cabinet division.