{
  "id": 8031496,
  "title": "'A chief minister's trips are never personal': Maryam claps back at criticism over use of govt aircraft",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/a-chief-ministers-trips-are-never-personal-maryam-claps-back-at",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T13:31:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2030633/a-chief-ministers-trips-are-never-personal-maryam-claps-back-at-criticism-over-use-of-govt-aircraft"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz rebuked critics over her use of the provincial government aircraft to attend a family event in London, asserting that a chief minister's trips \"are never personal.\" The controversy arose following reports that she utilized the government jet for a private visit to London, prompting opposition leaders to question the appropriateness of using an official aircraft for a family occasion. However, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari refuted these allegations, claiming the trip was funded \"out of her own pocket.\" Addressing a ceremony in Multan, Maryam emphasized that the aircraft belongs to the chief minister, rather than being personal. She has been serving Punjab for two-and-a-half years and highlighted her commitment to delivering more than what is promised, citing instances where she had left her iPads and phones on to work late. Maryam also noted that all four provincial chief ministers utilize the aircraft facility, but critics have directed their ire specifically at her. She joked about alternative modes of transportation she might have chosen under scrutiny, such as a motorcycle or metro bus. The chief minister cautioned that the criticism is not aimed at her personally but rather at Punjab's development and growth, urging other provinces to match her achievements. She noted that the \"Rs9 billion jet\" belongs to the chief minister's office, not personally, and stressed the importance of time for a chief minister. Maryam highlighted significant investments in infrastructure projects, including the \"Apni Chhat Apna Ghar\" initiative and the construction of the world's biggest cancer hospital, asking critics what they have accomplished. When addressing her daughter's graduation ceremony, she reiterated that she covered all expenses, totaling Rs27.5 million. Maryam asserted that she remains constantly connected to her government, even during flights, where she works relentlessly. She dismissed concerns about taking the plane back home, emphasizing that her trips abroad are necessary to showcase her government's progress, including visits to Brazil, Japan, China, and Türkiye. She shared a personal anecdote about a cancelled flight due to air traffic control issues in the UK, highlighting how she would have been stranded without the aircraft, affecting not just her but numerous projects in Punjab. Maryam concluded that she does not have time for idle criticism and works around the clock, often until midnight, always keeping her office with her, whether in Murree or London.",
  "summary": "Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday shot back at criticism over her use of an official aircraft to attend a family event in London, claiming that a chief minister’s trips “are never personal” and insisting she had borne all trip-related expenses. CM Maryam came under scrutiny when it emerged that she used the provincial government jet to make a private visit to London, with opposition…",
  "key_points": [
    "Maryam Nawaz rebuked critics over using government aircraft for family trip to London.",
    "Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said trip was funded out of her own pocket.",
    "Chief minister emphasized aircraft belongs to her office, not personally."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Maryam Nawaz pays Rs27.19m for government aircraft use",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/maryam-nawaz-pays-rs27-19m-for-government-aircraft-use",
        "published": "2026-09-17T10:22:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn - Pakistan",
        "title": "'A chief minister's trips are never personal': Maryam claps back at criticism over use of govt aircraft",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/a-chief-ministers-trips-are-never-personal-maryam-claps-back-at-8032405",
        "published": "2026-09-17T13:56:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}