Pakistan explains Maryam Nawaz's trip to London on government plane
In Pakistan, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid all expenses for her trip to London from her own funds. The visit sparked controversy over the use of a Punjab government aircraft for a private family event, while the opposition questioned the involvement of a state aircraft.
Punjab government's position
Maryam Nawaz visited London last week to attend the graduation ceremony of her daughter Mahnoor and returned to Lahore on Wednesday. In a post on X, Azma Bokhari rejected the allegations and said that the head of the Punjab government had independently paid the expenses for the London trip.
According to Dawn, Maryam Nawaz was also asked in London about the discussion on creating new provinces. She did not comment on the matter in detail and said she would speak after returning and holding consultations.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Opposition criticism
Opposition politicians continued to criticize Maryam Nawaz over the use of the official aircraft. Former federal minister and PTI party representative Moonis Elahi linked the controversy to rising fuel prices in a post on X.
The aircraft in question is a 2019 Gulfstream G500, reportedly valued at $38–42 million, or more than 10 billion Pakistani rupees. The aircraft has been under close scrutiny since reports emerged about its acquisition by the provincial government.
