Taseer clarifies Mercedes controversy

LAHORE: Recently, a lot of hue and cry was raised about the Punjab government's sanctioning of the purchase of a bullet proof Mercedes Benz car worth Rs 25 million for Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer.

There was immense criticism, with the media dubbing it a waste of public money in difficult times.

The governor has clarified his position on social networking site Twitter, Taseer wrote, "The bullet proof car being purchased will be used for protocol duty by the Governor's House, not me. I drive my own car, live in my own house and pay my own utility bills."

He added that, "The existing car is 16 years old. Representing the federal government, I have to host the president's international visitors." Stressing on the need for ensuring foolproof security for international visitors, Taseer tweeted, "Next time the Turkish president comes, I will drive him around on a motorbike and if Hakeemullah [Mehsud] knocks him off, we can tell the world that we are too poor."