The government has defended its decision to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit, saying the procurement should not be politicized.

Pakistan is currently chairing the SCO Council of Heads of State, with the next summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in August or September 2027.

According to the Cabinet Division, the event will bring heads of state and government as well as representatives of international organizations to Pakistan. The government said arrangements for such a high-profile gathering must meet international security and protocol requirements.

The Cabinet Division said Pakistan’s existing fleet of bulletproof vehicles consists of 2016 models, which no longer meets the required standards for hosting the summit.

The purchase of 45 new bulletproof vehicles has already been discussed at several forums. The government said the number represents the bare minimum required for the event.

In addition to the bulletproof vehicles, around 300 other vehicles will be rented to manage transportation requirements during the summit.

The government said the SCO summit presents an important opportunity for Pakistan to host a major international event and strengthen its diplomatic profile.

It urged stakeholders to view the arrangements in that context instead of politicizing or trivializing the purchase of security vehicles.

The Cabinet Division also highlighted the security challenges associated with hosting senior foreign leaders, saying the arrangements must be made in line with the protocols expected for an event of this level.