Azma Bokhari defends Maryam over London jet

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has rejected criticism over Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s use of the provincial government’s aircraft during her recent private trip to London.

Maryam Nawaz travelled to London last week to attend the graduation ceremony of her daughter, Mahnoor. She returned to Lahore on Wednesday. Her use of the official jet for the family event sparked criticism from opposition leaders.

The opposition questioned why government resources were used for a private visit. Azma Bokhari dismissed the criticism on Thursday and said the allegations were completely incorrect.

The provincial minister said Maryam Nawaz had personally paid all expenses related to her London trip. She maintained that no government funds were used for the visit.

The controversy has centred on the use of the Punjab government’s aircraft. PTI leader and former federal minister Moonis Elahi also criticised the chief minister over the matter. He linked the issue to the rising cost of fuel.

The aircraft is a 2019-manufactured Gulfstream G500. It has reportedly been valued at between $38 million and $42 million. Its estimated value exceeds Rs10 billion.

The aircraft has remained under scrutiny since reports emerged about its acquisition by the Punjab government.

During her stay in London, Maryam Nawaz was also asked about proposals for the creation of new provinces. She avoided giving a detailed response and said she would discuss the issue after returning to Pakistan and holding consultations.

The chief minister was also asked about her earlier remarks regarding security threats to Punjab from its provincial borders. She responded that Punjab was facing a threat from “incompetence”.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz’s daughter Mahnoor is set to get married on Saturday. Her nikkah ceremony is expected to be held at the Sharif family residence in Jati Umra.

According to family sources, Mahnoor’s marriage has been arranged with a member of a prominent business family. The ceremony is expected to be a private family gathering, with only close relatives and members of the extended family attending.