Azma Bokhari defends Punjab CM’s use of official jet for London trip

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's use of the provincial government's jet for her recent private visit to London has sparked fresh controversy, with opposition leaders questioning the expenditure of official aircraft for a family occasion. Maryam Nawaz journeyed to London last week to attend her daughter Mahnoor's graduation ceremony and returned to Lahore on Wednesday.

The government maintains that CM Maryam covered all expenses for the trip. Responding to criticism that the CM utilized the official jet for a private visit, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari firmly rejected the allegation, stating on X, "Absolutely incorrect. The Punjab chief minister paid all expenses for her London trip out of her own pocket."

During her stay in London, Maryam Nawaz also drew questions about the ongoing debate regarding the creation of new provinces, although she refrained from giving a detailed response, asserting that she would address the issue upon her return home after consulting with relevant authorities. When asked about her earlier claim that Punjab was facing a threat of terrorism from its provincial borders, Maryam Nawaz remarked, "Punjab is facing a threat from incompetence."

Opposition figures, in turn, continued to target the chief minister over the use of the official aircraft. Former federal minister and PTI leader Moonis Elahi, in a post on X, connected the controversy to the escalating cost of fuel. The Gulfstream G500, manufactured in 2019 and reportedly valued between $38 million to $42 million, has been under scrutiny since reports emerged about its acquisition by the provincial government.

Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz's daughter Mahnoor is set to marry on Saturday, with her nikkah ceremony scheduled to take place at the Sharif family's residence in Jati Umra, according to a family source speaking to Dawn. The ceremony is expected to be a private affair attended by close relatives and members of the extended family.