Amid IMF reliance, Maryam Nawaz’s reported Rs 10 billion jet sparks political storm in Punjab

Punjab luxury jet row: Maryam Nawaz faces scrutiny over Rs 10 billion Gulfstream purchase

A political storm has erupted in Pakistan after reports claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif acquired a US-registered Gulfstream G500 business jet worth over Rs 10 billion Pakistani rupees, at a time when the country is grappling with economic strain and reliance on international financial assistance.

The aircraft, registered as N144S in the United States, was flagged on February 16 by open-source aviation trackers after it flew from Lahore to Sialkot under the call sign “Punjab 2,” typically used for the chief minister’s official travel. The purchase has not been formally announced by either the federal or the Punjab government.

A 2019 Gulfstream GVII-G500 is valued between $38 million and $42 million, according to aviation price trackers, placing its cost above Rs 10 billion. Critics noted that the amount is roughly equivalent to the reported privatisation price of Pakistan International Airlines. Observers also compared the figure to the cost of over 3,000 Suzuki Alto cars in the local market.

Government cites Air Punjab plan

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari rejected allegations that the aircraft was acquired for personal use. “A fleet is being built for Air Punjab; this plane is a link in that chain,” she said, adding that details would be shared once arrangements were finalised.

Air Punjab, a provincial airline incorporated in July 2025, is scheduled to begin domestic commercial operations in April 2026 with seven aircraft. Officials said the chief minister’s existing helicopter would also be integrated into the airline’s fleet and that no separate aircraft would be reserved for VIP travel. They further stated that whenever CM Maryam Nawaz travels on an Air Punjab aircraft, the full commercial fare would be charged.

Maryam Nawaz said the initiative would reduce Punjab’s reliance on the federal government or the Pakistan Air Force for official travel.

Expert scepticism and political backlash

The explanation has drawn criticism from economic and aviation experts. Former federal finance minister Miftah Ismail wrote that a 10-to-16-seat business jet such as the Gulfstream G500 is not commercially viable for airline operations.

According to Gulfstream Aerospace, the G500 is an ultra-long-range luxury jet commonly used for corporate and head-of-state travel, featuring customisable cabins and advanced technology.

Opposition leaders, including members of Imran Khan’s PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami, questioned the timing of the acquisition. Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair Umar asked whether such spending was appropriate in a country where nearly 45% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Industry estimates suggest annual operating costs could range between Rs 80–86 crore. Punjab’s total debt burden exceeds Rs 1.7 trillion. Whether Air Punjab launches as planned in April may determine whether the jet is seen as a commercial asset or a symbol of excess.