Punjab govt buys luxury jet worth around Rs10bn for CM Maryam: reports

The Punjab government has reportedly purchased a "luxury private Gulfstream business" jet for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Citing sources, media reports said that the purchased Gulfstream G500 jet cost around Rs10 billion. 

The aircraft bears registration number N144S and has previously operated flights within Pakistan, they said, adding that the jet has not yet been registered locally and remains listed under US registration.

The purchase has drawn criticism on social media, where users questioned the use of public funds for the luxury jet.

Tweet by Mohammad Zubair

Tweet by Abdul Moiz Jaferii

However, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that the aircraft acquisition is part of a broader plan to establish a fleet for “Air Punjab”. She said that the government intends to build a range of aircraft under the initiative, with some being purchased and others leased, adding that further details would be shared once the process is finalised.

Reacting to her statement, former finance minister Miftah Ismail said: "A Punjab govt spokesperson has claimed that the luxury private Gulfstream Business Jet it has purchased and which is already being used for VIP travel is in fact for Air Punjab."

Tweet by Miftah Ismail