LAHORE – Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has clarified who paid for the aircraft used by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during her London visit.
Bokhari said the chief minister personally covered the aircraft expenses from her own funds. She made the statement while addressing questions about the cost of the overseas trip.
According to the provincial information minister, no government money was used for the aircraft arrangements. She stressed that Maryam Nawaz paid the full cost herself.
The clarification comes after public discussion over the expenses linked to the chief minister’s recent visit to London. The issue attracted attention because of questions surrounding official and private travel by public officials.
Maryam Nawaz travelled to London on a private visit. Her trip was linked to a family event involving her daughter, Mahnoor Safdar.
Mahnoor Safdar recently attended her graduation ceremony in London. The chief minister’s visit was therefore described as personal rather than an official government tour.
Bokhari’s statement focused specifically on the aircraft expenses. She said these costs were not charged to the Punjab government.
The clarification is aimed at addressing concerns about the use of public funds. It also distinguishes the chief minister’s private travel expenses from government spending.
Maryam Nawaz has previously faced public scrutiny over matters involving government expenditure. Her administration has also been questioned over travel-related costs involving public officials.
However, Bokhari’s latest statement maintains that the aircraft used for this particular London visit was paid for personally.
The statement does not indicate that provincial government funds were used for the aircraft. It instead presents the trip as a privately funded journey.
The issue highlights the wider public interest in spending involving elected officials. Travel expenses can attract scrutiny when public office holders undertake overseas visits.
In this case, the Punjab government’s position is that taxpayers did not bear the aircraft cost. Bokhari has sought to make that point clear through her latest remarks.
The chief minister’s London visit has continued to generate discussion because of its private nature. The government’s explanation now provides its account of how the aircraft expenses were handled.
Maryam Nawaz has not been reported as using provincial funds for the aircraft. Bokhari’s statement specifically says the payment came from the chief minister’s personal resources.
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The matter may continue to receive public attention as questions around official spending remain under scrutiny. For now, the Punjab government’s position is that the aircraft cost was privately paid.
