The Punjab government is currently navigating a wave of public and political backlash following reports that it has acquired a luxury Gulfstream G500 business jet. While social media users and opposition leaders allege the aircraft is for the exclusive use of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government insists it is a foundational asset for a new provincial airline, Air Punjab.
The Jet in Question
Details surrounding the aircraft have intensified the scrutiny:
- Model: Gulfstream G500 (2019-manufactured).
- Estimated Cost: Approximately Rs 10–11 billion ($38m to $42m).
- Registration: Currently registered in the U.S. as N144S.
- Capacity: Configured for approximately 16 passengers, which critics argue is inconsistent with commercial airline operations.
A pair of Pakistan Air Force F-7Ps flying low over the beautiful landscape of Punjab, 🇵🇰. pic.twitter.com/QDg9H9cZFd
— Mohsin Ali (@Mohsin_o2) January 13, 2026
Government Defense: The “Air Punjab” Project
Information Minister Azma Bokhari and other officials have rejected claims of “VIP luxury,” framing the purchase as part of a broader economic vision:
- Fleet Launch: Air Punjab is scheduled to start domestic operations in April 2026 with an initial fleet of seven aircraft.
- Commercial Basis: The government claims the CM’s existing helicopter will be inducted into the fleet as its first asset. All government officials, including the CM, will reportedly pay “full commercial fares” when using the airline.
- Phased Expansion: The airline will focus on domestic routes for the first two years before applying for an international license.
Critics’ Argument: “Entitled VIPs”
The purchase has drawn sharp rebukes from former officials and the public, especially given Pakistan’s current economic climate:
- Economic Optics: Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and ex-Sindh Governor Mohammad Zubair questioned the expenditure at a time when the public is facing high fuel prices and 45% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Operational Viability: Analysts point out that luxury business jets like the G500 are not typically used by commercial airlines due to high operating costs per seat, suggesting the “Air Punjab” label is a “cover-up” for a VIP transport purchase.
- Comparison to PIA: Social media users noted the irony of the Punjab government spending over Rs 10 billion on a single jet just months after the national carrier, PIA, was valued similarly for privatization.
The Current Status
As of Friday, February 20, 2026, the aircraft has reportedly been spotted flying between various airports in Punjab (using the call sign “Punjab 2”) for several days, although it has not yet been formally registered on the Pakistani civil aviation registry.
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