Dozens of sanitation vehicles acquired under the ‘Suthra Punjab programme’ have sat unused for 18 months near the District Courts complex in Rawalpindi, suffering severe deterioration and reported theft.
The fleet, which includes loaders, trolleys, tractors, and smaller utility vehicles, has been parked adjacent to the Pothohar Town office and Facilitation Centre without adequate security or maintenance.
Prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall and intense sunlight has caused visible rust damage and significant paint fading across a large number of the vehicles stored at the site.
Officials and local sources confirmed that the absence of security personnel during evening and night hours has enabled the alleged theft of tyres, seats, and spare parts.
Sources said groups frequenting the court area after sunset had repeatedly taken spare parts from the parked vehicles, leaving several units in a severely diminished operational condition.
Complaints submitted to the ‘Suthra Punjab Authority’ regarding the safety and maintenance of the vehicles reportedly went unresolved, with relevant authorities allegedly failing to take corrective action.
Officials of the Pothohar Town administration stated the vehicles did not belong to their department and had only been stored temporarily adjacent to their offices at the location.
The Suthra Punjab Authority said the vehicles are currently surplus to requirements in Rawalpindi city and will be deployed across Rawalpindi Division starting from the new fiscal year in July.
