Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticised the Punjab government for reportedly acquiring a Gulfstream business jet worth around Rs11 billion ($38–42 million). PTI claims the aircraft is intended solely for the chief minister’s personal use, describing the purchase as a “blatant display of extravagance” during a period of national economic hardship.
Luxury Spending Amid Economic Hardship
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the alleged acquisition, highlighting the glaring disconnect between government policies and public reality. “At a time when the government promotes austerity, the nation is grappling with record inflation, skyrocketing unemployment, and a severe economic crisis,” he said.
He questioned the justification for such lavish expenditure while 45% of Pakistanis live below the poverty line. “Millions of citizens struggle daily to meet basic needs, while the government borrows heavily from foreign loans and national debt continues to rise,” Waqas added.
Social media reaction has been swift, with users accusing Punjab rulers of misusing public funds for personal luxury. Waqas warned that the PTI and the public will hold those responsible fully accountable. He said such spending reflects the administration’s disregard for citizens’ hardships and suffering.
Public Concern Over Imran Khan’s Health
In the same statement, Sheikh Waqas also raised serious concerns over the health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He demanded immediate and unrestricted access for Khan’s personal physicians to conduct all necessary medical examinations, including blood tests, scans, and any specialised diagnostic procedures.
“Imran Khan is not only a former prime minister but the voice of millions in Pakistan and abroad,” Waqas stated. He criticised the government for its lack of transparency, which has intensified public anxiety rather than easing it.
Waqas emphasised that any ambiguity regarding Khan’s health is unacceptable, adding that if the government has nothing to conceal, there is no reason for delays. “He must be allowed to visit the hospital or diagnostic centre of his choice, and the government must provide clear, verified medical information to the public,” he said.
The PTI warned that significant time has already been lost amid rising concerns, and no further delay would be tolerated. The party described the matter as not just political but a test of national trust, human rights, and government responsibility.
Accountability and Public Outrage
The controversy over the jet purchase comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan, as economic pressures mount across the country. PTI’s criticism reflects growing frustration among citizens who perceive government leadership as prioritising luxury over public welfare.
Sheikh Waqas stressed that public funds must be used for development, healthcare, and essential services, not personal indulgences. The PTI also called for independent oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse of taxpayer money in future government expenditures.
The jet purchase, coupled with ongoing concerns about Imran Khan’s health, has become a symbol of government mismanagement and transparency issues, highlighting the divide between state officials and the general public.
