Capt (Retd) Safdar Defends Maryam Nawaz’s Use of Government Aircraft: “If It Were Up to Me, I Would Buy a Rs22 Billion Plane”

LAHORE: Captain (Retd) Safdar has defended Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s use of the provincial government aircraft, saying that if it were within his authority, he would buy her an aircraft worth Rs22 billion rather than Rs11 billion.
Safdar argued that Maryam Nawaz is the chief minister of Punjab and needs to travel to different cities in connection with her official responsibilities.
According to his statement, “Maryam Nawaz is the chief minister. If she has to travel to Rawalpindi or Karachi, how else is she supposed to travel if not by plane?”
Background of the Government Aircraft
The Punjab government’s acquisition of a 2019-manufactured Gulfstream GVII-G500 aircraft has been the subject of political and public debate. Various reports have put its estimated value at around Rs11 billion, while some reports have cited a figure of approximately Rs11.7 billion.
In February 2026, Transparency International Pakistan also questioned the procurement process and sought clarification from the Punjab government. The organisation said it had received a complaint alleging that mandatory procurement procedures under Punjab’s procurement rules had not been followed.
The Punjab government, meanwhile, has said that the aircraft was acquired as part of the proposed Air Punjab fleet.
Political Debate
The purchase and use of the aircraft have drawn criticism from opposition parties and other political circles. Critics argue that public funds should be carefully prioritised, particularly in a province facing numerous social and economic challenges.
Supporters of the government’s position maintain that a chief minister requires secure and efficient transportation for official duties and that government aircraft can serve an administrative and security purpose.
The controversy has therefore expanded beyond the aircraft itself, with questions being raised about its procurement process, cost, operating expenses and official use.
The statement attributed to Captain (Retd) Safdar has been presented as his position; the reported Rs22 billion figure has not been independently verified in the sources reviewed for this report.