Opposition Seeks Debate Over Rs12.5 Million Expenses
A Punjab Assembly opposition lawmaker has demanded an urgent debate over the alleged use of a provincial government aircraft for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s private London visit.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MPA Waqas Mahmood Maan submitted an adjournment motion in the Punjab Assembly, seeking discussion on the matter.
The lawmaker claimed that around Rs12.5 million from the public exchequer were allegedly spent on fuel, parking and other expenses linked to the aircraft’s use.
According to the motion, media reports claimed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz travelled to London to attend her daughter’s graduation ceremony while using the Punjab government aircraft.
The opposition member said that if the reports were accurate, the issue involved possible misuse of public resources, questions of authority, financial accountability and protection of government funds.
Questions Raised Over Official Aircraft Use
MPA Waqas Mahmood Maan asked the Punjab government to clarify the purpose of the trip and the legal authority under which the official aircraft was used.
He questioned whether the aircraft was permitted for private travel and whether the expenses were approved under existing government rules.
The lawmaker also sought details about the department or budget head from which the alleged expenses were paid.
He asked whether the expenditure received necessary legal and financial approval before the aircraft was used.
Maan requested the Punjab Assembly Speaker to accept the adjournment motion and allow a detailed debate so that complete facts could be presented before lawmakers.
He said the matter required transparency, especially when citizens were facing inflation, unemployment and challenges related to public services.
The opposition member also linked the issue with broader concerns about governance and government priorities in Punjab.
TTAP Demands Proof of Payment
The Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) Punjab also criticized the government’s response regarding the aircraft use.
TTAP Information Secretary Shayan Bashir claimed that the government’s explanation regarding payment for the flight was insufficient.
He said the government had acknowledged the aircraft’s use but had not provided documents proving payment for the expenses.
Bashir questioned how a state aircraft could be used for a private visit and demanded details of the approval process.
He asked officials to clarify which rules allowed the aircraft’s release, who authorized the flight and where the payment records were available.
He also sought information about the amount paid, payment rates, the government account receiving the funds and the official invoice.
The controversy has intensified calls from opposition groups for greater transparency regarding the use of government resources and public assets.
