Maryam Nawaz pays Rs27.19m for government aircraft London trip

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reportedly paid Rs27.194 million to settle the expenses of a government aircraft used during a private trip to London for her daughter’s graduation ceremony. Payment documents indicate a cheque for the amount was deposited into the Punjab government’s treasury account at the National Bank of Pakistan’s Valencia Branch in Lahore.

Addressing criticism regarding the use of the official Gulfstream G500, Maryam Nawaz stated she is “accountable to the people, not to any YouTuber.” She clarified that while the aircraft is allocated to the office of the Chief Minister, she personally bore the costs of the trip. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari also defended the Chief Minister, stating the allegations of misuse were “absolutely incorrect.”

Opposition leaders, including former federal minister Moonis Elahi, have continued to scrutinize the use of the provincial aircraft, linking the controversy to rising fuel costs. The Chief Minister maintained that her office remains functional during travel and that she continues to prioritize provincial development despite political criticism.