Jet Set, Setback?
The Maryam Nawaz Rs.10 billion private jet explained.
Hello Wednesday, and it’s a good day as we complete 7 Rozas. As always, the fasts fly and Eid will be here before we know it. We don’t have a confirmed date yet but the MET department has made a prediction that I have mentioned below. Fewer stories in highlights today since there was an update on the Punjab luxury jet story. While reading it, I thought an explainer might help to understand the issue, so have written that out for you below.
I’ve also gotten a daily graphic made for the Sehri and Iftar timings that is at the end of this email, so check your city’s time there (of all major cities and Multan - don’t know why the graphic designer added Multan but I’m assuming he likes it and also that he needed one more city for the image…so lucky, Multan)!
The Pakistan Meteorological Department says the Shawal moon is unlikely to be sighted on March 19, as it will only be 12–13 hours old at sunset and Ramzan will likely complete 30 days. Which means that Eid is expected on March 21, 2026 (if the moon isn’t seen on March 19). As always, the final announcement will come from the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee after testimonies are verified nationwide.
The federal government has upgraded the CNIC and Pak Origin Card system under its “One Nation – One Identity” plan, introducing QR-coded ID cards, stronger biometric verification (now including fingerprints and iris scans), and tighter fraud controls. Under the new rules, suspended IDs will instantly block all verification services (all digital usage of the ID too), seniors over 60 will get lifetime-validity cards, and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will integrate evolving tech features as well.
After England beat Pakistan by two wickets in the T20 World Cup Super Eight last night, Shaheen Shah Afridi admitted Pakistan’s semi-final hopes are no longer in their own hands (like they were before? Sorry, couldn’t help adding that editorial comment. Still burning from Pak-India). Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka now and pray other match results go their way. Afridi also praised England’s Harry Brook for a “world-class” century, which was the second fastest in T20 World Cup history. Afridi even walked over to shake Brook’s hand after bowling him, calling it one of the best innings he’s ever seen.
You’ve all heard the story about a brand-new Gulfstream jet worth around $38–42 million (over Rs10 billion), acquired by the Punjab govt for CM Maryam Nawaz, seen the really despicable memes on X and social but unsure about what happened? Aisa kuch hua:
The luxury jet the Punjab govt could afford
Interestingly, this didn’t start with an official announcement but from a tweet on X. An X account, ‘The Stratcom Bureau’, which generally shares security related news, posted that the Government of Punjab has “acquired a new, 2019-manufactured Gulfstream GVII-G500 aircraft for their VIP transport role”. In a separate tweet, they also posted a video of what the aircraft looks like.
Once screenshots began circulating, the media picked it up, with Dawn reporting that it reached out to Punjab officials for a comment, with no one responding.
But social media was asking only one question: Did Punjab just buy a luxury jet?
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari later addressed the issue publicly, confirming the acquisition and defending it.
What is the government saying?
The Punjab government confirmed that the jet was being purchased and that the 19-seater Gulfstream is not just for the CM’s use but linked to a proposed provincial airline project called Air Punjab.
When questions were raised about the lack of a clear airline roadmap, officials said the previous aircraft being used by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was old and needed replacement with a safer jet.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah told the Senate that, "Some people have made the plane an issue only for propaganda. Punjab is a big province; it has huge resources [to buy such a plane]. He also added that, the luxury jet replaces the existing jet after 25 to 30 years, and will further last 30 to 40 years, saying it is an asset of the Punjab government.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf of running a coordinated smear campaign, calling the criticism politically motivated, adding that PTI’s toxic mindset was spreading filth across social and other media platforms.
Is there a smear campaign?
Yes, and a disturbingly vile one at that, hitting at CM Maryam Nawaz’s gender. What is even worse is that the smear campaign comes from journalists (mostly those who are now based abroad) and instead of focusing on criticising the purchase, they are focusing on her gender.
Other PTI leaders are criticising the purchase itself, though.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that the government is asking its citizens to ‘hold on’ while the country faces inflation and unemployment and is itself buying a VIP aircraft for billions. He said that the PTI would hold the government accountable for misuse of public funds.
Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam pointed out that, while the federal PML-N government sold 75 per cent of Pakistan International Airlines shares for just Rs10 billion, the Punjab government purchased a jet for Rs11bn.
Journalist Arifa Noor also added that CM Maryam Nawaz had garnered a lot of goodwill and respect among the masses for bringing back Basant and making it a safe festival to celebrate again. But at a time when perception matters more than ever, the optics of luxury travel were overshadowing all the work she had done to improve her image.
You doubt that a decision you’re making will be the wrong one. It’s not. Go with your gut, not your doubt.
It’s Halal Comedy Night and it’s happening in Islamabad on the 27th of Feb in DHA. Looks interesting from the promotional flyer itself and who wouldn’t want ‘halal laughs’ after Iftar? Tickets are for Rs. 1,000 and available on Ticketwala.
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