ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In an unprecedented decision, the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Ms. Aalia Neelum, has mandated the withdrawal of official vehicles from officers in Grade 20 and 21, marking a historic step toward financial discipline in the judicial system.
Vehicle Withdrawal and Monthly Allowance Policy Introduced
Under the newly approved policy, government vehicles previously assigned to Grade 20 and 21 officers will be replaced by a fixed monthly allowance intended to cover fuel and maintenance costs. Grade 20 officers will receive Rs. 65,960 per month, while Grade 21 officers are allocated Rs. 77,430 monthly.
A formal notification of this monetization policy was issued after receiving Chief Justice Aalia Neelum’s endorsement. The allowance for Grade 19 officers is yet to be determined, pending consultation with the Finance Department.
Expected Financial Impact and Additional Changes
Officials expect this initiative to save millions of rupees monthly by eliminating expenses tied to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption. Additionally, the policy regarding motorcycles and petrol allowances for peons with five years of service may be reconsidered in the near future.
Commitment to Transparency and Austerity
Justice Aalia Neelum’s reforms emphasize both timely justice delivery and administrative austerity, reflecting a broader push for transparency within the judiciary.
Positive Reception from Legal Community
The move has garnered praise across legal circles. Advocate Chaudhry Naseer Kamboh of the Supreme Court stated,
“This move not only reduces the burden on the national treasury but also represents a practical step towards the swift delivery of justice.”
Similarly, former Supreme Court Bar President Ahsan Bhoon described the decision as
“an excellent administrative step in light of the country’s economic situation,”
urging other institutions to adopt similar measures.
This historic policy signals a shift toward more sustainable government spending within Pakistan’s judiciary, potentially setting a benchmark for other departments.
