LAHORE – The Punjab government has responded to reports claiming it purchased a new luxury aircraft for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The reports stated that a Gulfstream G500 was bought for around Rs10 billion.
According to the claims, the aircraft carries registration number N144S. Its estimated price is said to be close to Rs10 billion. The jet currently holds a United States registration. It has traveled to Pakistan before but is not yet registered locally.
The news about the luxury aircraft quickly spread on social media. Many users questioned the reported purchase. Some raised concerns about the use of public funds. They argued that taxpayer money should be spent on public welfare instead of high-cost aviation assets.
In response, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari issued an official statement. She clarified that the provincial government is planning to build a fleet for Air Punjab. This fleet will include different types of aircraft. Some planes will be purchased, while others will be leased.
Bukhari said the reported luxury aircraft acquisition is part of a broader aviation plan. She explained that final decisions have not yet been fully announced. More details will be shared once the arrangements are complete.
She also addressed comments made by former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. Bukhari stated that incomplete information can create confusion. She suggested that some public statements lack full context.
The controversy has fueled debate about government spending priorities. Critics believe public money should focus on development projects and social services. Supporters argue that an official fleet could improve administrative efficiency.
Officials have not confirmed whether the Gulfstream G500 has been officially purchased. The aircraft remains under US registration at this stage. Authorities say further updates will be provided when the process is finalized.
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The discussion around the luxury aircraft highlights wider concerns about transparency and public accountability. For now, the government maintains that the plan is part of a structured aviation strategy, not a personal purchase.
