Pakistan, Sept. 30 -- The federal government has defended its decision to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

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The Cabinet Division said the vehicles are necessary to provide secure transportation for foreign dignitaries attending the summit in Islamabad in 2027.

The division said the latest bulletproof vehicles currently available with it are 2016 models. It described those vehicles as below the security standards required for the high-profile event.

According to the government, authorities discussed the requirement at several forums before deciding on 45 vehicles. It said the number represents the minimum requ...