LAHORE: The Punjab government has come under heavy fire on social media following reports of the purchase of a new, luxury Gulfstream G500 aircraft for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, reportedly valued at around Rs 10 billion.
According to sources, the aircraft, bearing the American registration number N 144S, has a price tag of approximately Rs 10 billion. The plane is currently on an American registration and has a travel record in Pakistan, though it has not yet been registered locally.
The acquisition has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and the public, with many questioning the necessity of such a lavish expense. Social media users argue that the funds should be diverted to public welfare projects. “Customers say that public money should be spent on the public; buying a luxury plane from the national treasury is not appropriate,” the reports quoted critics as saying.
The development comes as the Punjab government prepares to launch its own airline. The first flight of Air Punjab is scheduled to begin operations in April, with a reported decision to acquire seven aircraft in the initial phase.
Responding to the backlash, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari defended the purchase, stating it was part of a larger plan to build a fleet for the new airline. “A fleet is to be built for Air Punjab in which all types of planes will be available. Different planes are being purchased and some will be leased. This is a link in the same chain. As soon as the matters take final shape, we will let you know,” she explained.
The Minister also took a swipe at former finance minister Miftah Ismail, who had apparently commented on the issue. “Miftah Ismail is very fond of talking incompletely,” Uzma Bukhari retorted. “If we talk about many tax evasions, it will become political revenge.”
