PAF air ambulance converted into luxury jet for PM Shehbaz Sharif, sparks controversy

Pakistan

A fresh controversy has erupted in Pakistan after reports that a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) air ambulance was converted into a luxury jet for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to News18.

The PAF had acquired the A-1102 Airbus 319 in May 2022 for humanitarian purposes. The aircraft was notably used as an air ambulance, including the evacuation of Pakistani mountaineer Samina Baig from Skardu to Rawalpindi in July 2024.

However, according to the CNN-News18 report, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu approved its conversion into a lavish jet designed for the prime minister and other VIPs.

After its transformation, the aircraft is now fitted with luxury amenities comparable to those on the US President’s Air Force One, including state-of-the-art facilities, high-end lounges, private bedrooms, and advanced communication systems.

Unlike the smaller Gulfstream jet (J-756) previously used for official trips, the upgraded A-1102 has been designed to ensure maximum comfort on long-haul flights and is currently being used by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Sources suggest the decision to convert the air ambulance into a luxury jet was aimed at pleasing Sharif, following his move to extend Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s tenure in the wake of the conflict with India during Operation Sindoor in May this year.

Sources suggest the air ambulance was converted into a luxury jet to appease Sharif after he extended Sidhu’s tenure following the conflict with India during Operation Sindoor in May this year.