Pakistan's austerity drive: PM Imran Khan puts cars, buffaloes on the block

Pakistan’s new government on Monday began auctioning off about 100 government-owned vehicles as part of new Prime Minister Imran Khan's highly publicised cost-cutting drive, which has drawn mixed reviews.

Auction official Mohammad Asif told Reuters the vehicles could bring in about 2 billion rupees ($16 million) to the cash-strapped government’s coffers, although that estimate depends on finding buyers for four bullet-proof Mercedes.

These are estimated in total value at 1 billion rupees.

The auction has been billed as part of Khan's drive to give “the nation’s wealth to its rightful owners”, though critics say most of the new government’s cost-cutting measures are more symbolism than significant savings.

The Pakistan government plans to auction eight buffaloes kept by Nawaz Sharif at the PM House for his "gastronomic requirements", a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan has said.

Cash-starved Pakistan government led by Khan has launched an austerity drive. Under this, more than 80 luxury cars would be auctioned.

Naeem-ul-Haq, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Political Affairs, said the government will auction luxury cars parked at the PM House. It will also sell the four surplus helicopters lying unused with the Cabinet Division.