ISLAMABAD: The government has defended its decision to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit, saying the vehicles represent the minimum required to ensure the security of visiting foreign dignitaries.
The Cabinet Division issued the clarification after the planned procurement attracted criticism in the media and on social media. The government said the summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in August or September 2027, would be among Pakistan’s most significant international events.
According to the Cabinet Division, the summit will bring heads of state and government as well as senior representatives of international organisations to Pakistan, making secure and reliable transportation an essential part of the arrangements.
The government also cited Pakistan’s security situation and what it described as threats from hostile external elements as reasons for requiring enhanced protection.
Govt says existing vehicles are outdated
The Cabinet Division said the latest bulletproof vehicles currently available to it date back to 2016 and do not meet the standards required for the upcoming summit.
It said the decision to procure 45 new vehicles had been considered at several forums and that the number was determined on the basis of the “bare minimum requirement”.
Around 300 additional non-bulletproof vehicles will also be hired for the summit, according to the government.
GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
CABINET SECRETARIAT
CABINET DIVISIONPRESS RELEASE
Purchase of Bulletproof Vehicles for SCO’s CHS Summit, Islamabad 2027
Certain sceptical and unwarranted comments have appeared in the press and social media
on the purchase of 45 bulletproof vehicles by…— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) September 30, 2026
The procurement follows two separate approvals by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
Earlier in September, the ECC approved a Rs6.6 billion supplementary grant for 30 bulletproof vehicles. It later approved another Rs3 billion technical supplementary grant for 15 additional bulletproof sedans, bringing the total number of vehicles to 45.
The initial proposal had sought funding for a larger number of vehicles. Following further consultations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the purchase of 45 instead of the 65 vehicles initially requested.
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SCO summit preparations underway
Pakistan assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026-27 at the organisation’s summit in Bishkek in September, with Islamabad scheduled to host the next Council of Heads of State meeting in 2027.
The Cabinet Division described the upcoming summit as a major diplomatic event and said its scale required security and logistical arrangements consistent with protocols used for visits by heads of state and government.
The government has also begun preparations for the summit’s venue and related infrastructure. The Capital Development Authority has initiated work related to the expansion and upgrading of the Jinnah Convention Centre, which is expected to host the event.
The Cabinet Division said the summit would provide Pakistan with an opportunity to host senior international leaders and strengthen its profile as an SCO member and chair.
It urged the public to view the hosting of the summit as an honour and support the government’s efforts to organise the event.
