{
  "id": 8032405,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T13:56:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "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's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz defended herself against criticism regarding her usage of a government aircraft for a private visit to London. The opposition questioned her decision to use an official jet for a family event, but her Information Minister Azma Bokhari refuted these claims, stating the expenses were paid out of Nawaz's own pocket. Addressing a ceremony in Multan, Maryam explained that the plane belongs to the chief minister, not her personally. She elaborated on her work ethic, saying she is always on call for her government duties, whether she's in her car or on a plane. She discussed the investment her government has made, including Rs300 billion in their \"Apni Chhat Apna Ghar\" initiative and Rs200 billion in green buses. Maryam also addressed concerns about her daughter's graduation ceremony, noting she had covered all expenses, totaling Rs27.5 million. She reiterated her stance that she can't afford to be disconnected from her role as a chief minister, considering the potential consequences. Maryam affirmed that she would not take the plane home with her upon leaving office, but emphasized that her international trips were to showcase her government's advancements. She dismissed criticism, stating she is accountable to the people and not the critics.",
  "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 defends government aircraft use for private London trip.",
    "Information Minister Azma Bokhari says expenses paid from Nawaz's pocket.",
    "Chief Minister emphasizes commitment to government duties despite criticism."
  ],
  "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",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-17T13:31:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}