Govt clarifies decision to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for SCO summit

The government has decided to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad in August or September 2027.

The Cabinet Division said the summit is a major international event, with heads of state, government officials and senior representatives of international organisations expected to attend, making secure and reliable transport arrangements necessary.

According to the division, the government’s existing bulletproof vehicles are mostly 2016 models and no longer meet the required standards for hosting the summit.

The Cabinet Division said the proposal was reviewed by several forums and that 45 vehicles represent the minimum requirement for the event. Around 300 additional non-bulletproof vehicles will also be hired.

The division said enhanced security measures are necessary given the prevailing security situation and stressed that the summit would provide an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s international importance.