Petition filed against Nawaz Sharif for profligacy

LAHORE: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has landed in a soup after a petition was filed against him for spending over rupees 226 million on acquiring two bullet- proof cars and sniffer dogs as part of his security detail.

Advocate Syed Feroze Shah Gilani filed the petition in the Lahore High Court yesterday claiming Rs 224 million was spent on the purchase of two bullet-proof cars while Rs 2.4 million on sniffer dogs for Sharif's house, flouting government's declared austerity measures.

"Besides, huge money is being spent on renovation and decoration of the PM House," he said.

The BMW 760Li High Security sedans cost Rs 119.742m and Rs 124.995m, including heads such as customs duty, sales tax, shipping and miscellaneous charges.

The petitioner said the use of public exchequer for personal luxury and comfort by a ruler is not permissible in Islam.

"The country's economy is in deep recession and the rulers are spending huge money from national kitty to make their lives more luxurious," he said.

Gilani prayed to the court to set aside the purchase of bullet-proof cars and sniffer dogs. The court is yet to fix the date for hearing.