KP Social Welfare Department Requests New Toyota Fortuner for Mashal Yusufzai

The Department of Social Welfare has formally requested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government to authorize the purchase of a new Toyota Fortuner for advisor Mashal Yusufzai.

The department has proposed a budget of 17.1 million PKR for a Toyota Fortuner for advisor Mashal Yusufzai. The purchase of a Kia Sportage for Secretary Anila Mafeeze Durani, costing 7.3 million PKR, is also being considered.

The Department of Social Welfare’s procurement was initiated amid an existing ban on vehicle acquisition, which prompted the department to seek a special exemption. The move has triggered strong reactions from journalists and supporters of the ruling party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Critics have accused the department of hypocrisy, drawing parallels to past incidents where PTI criticized similar expenditures by other parties.

On social media platform X, Arif Awan mentioned an earlier episode where PTI protested against Maryam Nawaz, then Chief Minister of Punjab, for merely replacing her vehicle’s tyres.

A staunch PTI supporter, Ehtesham Ul Haq, highlighted the contradiction between political rhetoric and actual behavior, urging PTI leaders to assess their advisors’ extravagant use of public funds critically.

Waqas Awan expressed broader disillusionment with political leaders across all parties, criticizing their exploitation of public resources at the expense of ordinary citizens. Echoing public sentiment, Shahbaz Gill suggested that such expenditures should be reassessed in light of the public interest and the values espoused by PTI leader Imran Khan, advocating for a more prudent use of state funds.