Punjab Government, Gulfstream G500 Purchase: Air Punjab Fleet or Luxury?
The Punjab Government’s Gulfstream G500 purchase quickly became the most talked-about political controversy in Pakistan in February 2026. Reports from the Stratcom Bureau and aviation tracking data indicate that a 2019-manufactured Gulfstream GVII-G500 has joined the provincial fleet. With an estimated price tag of $42 million (approximately Rs 11.7 billion), the acquisition has drawn sharp rebukes from opposition leaders and economic analysts alike.
Air Punjab: The Official Stance
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has defended the move. She stated that the 19-seater jet is a foundational asset for the upcoming “Air Punjab” airline. According to the provincial administration, the airline will begin commercial operations by April 2026. This fleet will reportedly consist of both leased and purchased aircraft to serve various domestic routes.
Government officials claim that when the Chief Minister or cabinet members use these planes, the full commercial fare will be paid. This is intended to ensure no extra burden falls on the provincial exchequer. They argue that this is a strategic investment rather than a personal perk.
Opposition Lambastes “Luxury Spending”
The timing of the Punjab Government Gulfstream G500 purchase has provided significant ammunition to the opposition. Leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) have been vocal in their criticism. They highlight a perceived disconnect between government spending and public suffering during record inflation.
“The chief minister has purchased an aircraft for Rs 11 billion while the entire national airline (PIA) was recently valued at a similar amount for sale,” remarked PTI’s Moonis Elahi.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, chief of JI, pointed toward the rising rates of child malnutrition and poverty in Punjab. He questioned how a luxury jet could be prioritized over basic healthcare and clean water. Furthermore, former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail argued that no commercial airline typically uses a long-range luxury business jet like the G500 for standard regional operations, calling the justification economically unviable.
Flight Data and Verification
Aviation observers have tracked the aircraft, currently under US registration N144S. It has operated several flights between Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan using the call sign “PUNJAB2”. This specific call sign is traditionally reserved for flights carrying the Chief Minister.
Additionally, a recent recruitment advertisement for pilots specifically type-rated for the Gulfstream G500 has surfaced. This confirms that the plane is already operational within the province’s VIP flight wing. While the administration maintains that this is for infrastructure, the sight of a luxury jet remains a tough pill to swallow for a public grappling with a 29% poverty rate.
