The government has defended its decision to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit, saying the purchase should not be politicized.
In a statement shared by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, the Cabinet Division said the vehicles are being procured for the SCO summit scheduled to take place in Islamabad in August-September 2027.
Pakistan is currently chairing the SCO Council of Heads of State, and the government said the summit will be one of the country’s most significant international events, with heads of state, governments and international organizations expected to attend.
The Cabinet Division said the security of visiting dignitaries requires transport arrangements that meet international security standards. It added that the need for additional protection is particularly important because of Pakistan’s existing security situation and threats from hostile external elements.
The government said the latest bulletproof vehicles currently available with the Cabinet Division are 2016 models and do not meet the standards required for the summit.
The purchase of 45 bulletproof vehicles was discussed at several forums before the number was finalized, according to the statement. The government said 45 vehicles represent the minimum required for the event.
Around 300 other vehicles needed for the summit will not be purchased and will instead be rented, the Cabinet Division said.
The government also urged the public to view the summit as an opportunity to raise Pakistan’s profile internationally and said the event should not be trivialized or politicized.
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