The dispute began when reports circulated online alleging that a Gulfstream G500 jet had been acquired for Maryam Nawaz’s exclusive use and had already operated VIP flights under the call sign “Punjab 2.” The aircraft, reportedly registered in the United States under number N144S, has not yet been listed in Pakistan’s aviation registry, further fuelling speculation.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari rejected the accusations at a press briefing, saying the jet is part of preparations for a new provincial airline, Air Punjab. She said the fleet would include a mix of purchased and leased aircraft and insisted no plane had been bought for personal use by the chief minister.
Questions intensified after the Services and General Administration Department issued a recruitment notice seeking pilots with experience flying the G500. Aviation analysts note that such specific requirements are typically advertised only when an aircraft is already in service or expected soon. Critics cited this detail as circumstantial evidence supporting the allegations, though officials maintain it reflects future planning rather than an existing purchase.
Maryam Nawaz, who took office in February 2024, is Pakistan’s first woman to serve as chief minister of a province. A senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, she has remained a prominent political figure since entering active politics in 2011. Her administration has promoted infrastructure and governance initiatives in Punjab, making the jet controversy a politically sensitive issue.
The G500, produced by Gulfstream Aerospace, is regarded as one of the most advanced long-range business jets, capable of carrying up to 19 passengers with luxury cabin features, high-speed satellite internet, and extended flight range. Its association with corporate executives and heads of state has heightened public scrutiny of the purchase claims.
Opposition voices have demanded transparency regarding procurement plans for the proposed airline, while government representatives argue the allegations are politically motivated. No official procurement documents confirming a completed purchase have been released publicly so far.
The controversy underscores broader tensions in Pakistan’s political landscape, where major expenditures by provincial administrations often become flashpoints for partisan debate. Whether the government discloses detailed records of the aircraft plan may determine if the issue subsides or develops into a formal investigation.
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