Lahore, Pakistan — February 25, 2026
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb came to the defense of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday, condemning what she described as a politically motivated campaign by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists and others targeting the provincial leader over the government’s acquisition of a luxury jet.
The Gulfstream 19-seater, valued at $38–42 million (over Rs10 billion), has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and journalists, who questioned the timing and necessity of the purchase amid rising economic pressures.
“Elements engaged in character assassination against the CM on media and social media are affiliated with PTI,” Aurangzeb said in a statement. “The national media should reject those operating under PTI’s foreign funding.” She accused the former ruling party of sowing a “toxic mindset” that continues to influence public discourse.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari echoed these remarks, calling the PTI’s rhetoric a “cancer clinging to society.”
The provincial government initially remained silent on the jet purchase but later claimed it was part of a proposed airline project. When pressed for details, officials said the move was necessary because the previous aircraft used by CM Maryam had become outdated and unsafe.
Opposition figures, however, accused the provincial administration of extravagance. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram described the acquisition as “unjustifiable spending amid economic hardship,” highlighting rising inflation, unemployment, and financial strain on ordinary citizens.
“The government’s calls for austerity are contradicted by billions spent on VIP travel,” Akram said, warning that PTI would hold officials accountable for misuse of public funds.
Finance Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Muzammil Aslam, drew attention to a contrast with the federal PML-N government, which sold 75 percent of Pakistan International Airlines shares for Rs10 billion, while Punjab spent Rs11 billion on a single aircraft.
Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also criticized the purchase, noting the apparent contrast between the prime minister celebrating the PIA sale and CM Maryam acquiring a luxury jet for elite travel.
The controversy underscores growing public scrutiny over government spending and the political tensions between ruling and opposition parties in Pakistan, particularly as economic challenges continue to weigh on citizens.
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