Punjab approves supplementary grant of over Rs860m for VIP jet maintenance

LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a supplementary grant of more than Rs861.5 million to support operational expenses for its newly acquired VIP aircraft, a decision that has sparked public debate against the backdrop of Pakistan’s ongoing economic challenges.

The provincial cabinet, under the direction of Maryam Nawaz, approved the additional funding on Friday through a summary circulated among ministers, official documents showed.

The funds will be used to cover operational costs of the Gulfstream aircraft recently acquired by the Punjab government, including fuel, maintenance, insurance and training expenses for pilots and engineers.

Documents said that the new Gulfstream business jet consumes about 2,100 litres of fuel per hour, roughly double that of the older Hawker aircraft it replaces.

The supplementary grant includes Rs497.8 million for air transport maintenance and various subscriptions, Rs64 million for insurance, and over Rs143.3 million for mandatory training of pilots and engineers in the United States.

Additionally, monthly flying allowances of up to Rs750,000 were approved for three Pakistan Air Force pilots on deputation, and Rs651 million was allocated for travel and daily allowances.

Government sources said that the grant aims to ensure the new aircraft is fully operational and meets international flight standards.

The decision comes amid widespread criticism of the provincial government’s acquisition of a Gulfstream GVII-G500 business jet, estimated to be worth between $38 million and $42 million (around Rs11 billion) for official use, including travel by the chief minister and other senior officials.

The purchase has drawn scrutiny as Pakistan grapples with high inflation, growing debt and slow economic growth.

Punjab officials have offered differing explanations for the jet’s use.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the aircraft is part of a fleet being built for a provincial airline, Air Punjab, which is preparing to launch commercial flights in April.

Critics, however, argue that such a luxury aircraft is impractical for airline operations and effectively serves as an expensive VIP transport.

Opposition figures and political rivals have condemned the grant and the jet acquisition as misaligned with public priorities, especially given economic hardship affecting many Pakistanis.

Critics note that around 45% of the population lives below the poverty line and question whether funds should be directed to elite travel amid austerity calls by the government.

Punjab carries a significant public debt, and its leaders have not fully disclosed financing details of the aircraft purchase, including whether the jet was bought outright or leased. Supporters of the move argue that having its own modern aircraft will reduce the province’s reliance on federal resources for official travel.

The supplementary grant decision is likely to fuel further debate over fiscal priorities as provincial and federal governments seek to navigate economic pressures and public expectations.