In recent days, the Pakistani social media landscape and newsrooms have been buzzing with a major development from Punjab. Latest reports reveal that the Punjab government has acquired a luxury private jet—a 2019 model Gulfstream G500. With an estimated price tag of Rs 10 to 16 billion (approx. $38-$42 million), the aircraft has sparked a fierce debate. Is this a necessary aviation asset for the province’s upcoming “Air Punjab” airline, or is it an extravagant expenditure of public funds for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s VIP travel?
Here is a complete, fact-based breakdown of the aircraft, its costs, and the ongoing controversy.
The Acquisition: What We Know
According to aviation trackers and recent flight data, the Gulfstream G500, currently operating under the US registration N144S, arrived in Lahore in late December 2025. After undergoing interior refurbishments, it began local flights within Pakistan around February 6, 2026, often using the call sign “PUNJAB2.”
While critics argue the purchase process lacks transparency, the provincial government has stepped forward to clarify its intent. Let’s look at the specific purchase details:
| Category | Details |
| Arrival & Operations | Arrived in Lahore late Dec 2025; started local flights around Feb 6-12, 2026. |
| Primary Purpose | Officially stated as a core asset for the new “Air Punjab” fleet; widely scrutinized as VIP travel for Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. |
| Purchase Process | Exact procurement process (auction vs. direct buy) remains unconfirmed by officials. |
| Registration Status | Currently operating under US registration (N144S); expected to get local Pakistani registration soon. |
Inside the Gulfstream G500: Technical Specifications
The Gulfstream G500 is not an ordinary aircraft; it is a state-of-the-art, long-range business jet favored by global corporate executives and heads of state. Known for its speed, luxury, and advanced avionics, here is what this 2019 model brings to the table:
| Specification | Technical Detail |
| Aircraft Model | 2019 Gulfstream GVII-G500 |
| Maximum Range | 5,300 nautical miles (approx. 9,816 km) |
| Top Speed | Mach 0.925 (approx. 611 knots) |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.85 – 0.90 |
| Engine Specs | Two Pratt & Whitney PW814GA engines (67.36 kN thrust each) |
| Cabin Capacity | Up to 19 passengers across 3 living areas (Cabin height: 1.88m) |
| Takeoff Distance | 1,615 meters |
The Financial Toll: Breaking Down the Expenses
Purchasing a luxury jet is only the first step; maintaining and operating it requires a massive, ongoing financial commitment. Aviation experts have broken down the estimated costs associated with N144S:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
| Total Procurement Cost | Rs 10 Billion to Rs 16 Billion ($38M – $42M) |
| Annual Maintenance | Approx. Rs 1 Billion (Covers fuel, pilots, training, insurance, and parts) |
| Operational Cost (Per Hour) | $6,000 – $8,500 (Based on 450 hours/year and fuel at $6/gallon) |
The Controversy: Public Outrage vs. Official Stance
Social media is witnessing intense criticism over this purchase.
The Critics’ View:
Opposition leaders, journalists, and the general public have heavily criticized the acquisition. With Pakistan facing strict economic challenges, inflation, and a significant portion of the population struggling, critics argue that spending Rs 10 billion on a luxury jet from the national treasury is an unjustifiable elite privilege.
The Government’s Defense:
In response to the backlash, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has firmly rejected claims that the jet was bought solely for the Chief Minister’s personal use. According to the government, this aircraft is a foundational piece for “Air Punjab,” a new provincial airline project slated to launch its first commercial flight in April 2026 with an initial fleet of seven aircraft. Officials insist that the Gulfstream will eventually operate on a commercial basis, and any VIP use will be fully paid for at commercial rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the Punjab government being criticized for buying a new airplane?
The government is facing severe backlash because the Rs 10 billion (approx. $38-$42 million) purchase of a luxury Gulfstream G500 comes at a time when Pakistan is facing severe economic hardship, high inflation, and relies on IMF loans. Critics argue it is a gross misuse of public funds for VIP luxury.
Is the new Gulfstream G500 really for “Air Punjab”?
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari claims the jet is the first operational asset for the upcoming “Air Punjab” provincial airline. However, financial experts and critics like former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail heavily dispute this, stating that a 16-to-19-seat luxury business jet is economically unviable for commercial airline operations.
How much did Maryam Nawaz’s new plane cost the government?
While the government has not released official procurement documents, aviation experts and market estimates place the value of the 2019 Gulfstream GVII-G500 between $38 million and $42 million, which translates to roughly Rs 10 billion to Rs 11 billion. Annual maintenance is estimated to add another Rs 1 billion.
Will Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz travel for free on the new jet?
Government officials have stated that the aircraft will be operated commercially under Air Punjab. They claim that whenever the Chief Minister or cabinet members use the aircraft, the full commercial fare will be paid from the relevant departmental budgets, though the public remains highly skeptical of this arrangement.
Why are people comparing the Punjab jet purchase to PIA?
Social media users have drawn a sharp comparison between the Gulfstream acquisition and the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Critics are pointing out the irony that an entire national carrier was reportedly valued at around Rs 10 billion during its privatization process—nearly the exact same amount the Punjab government spent on one single luxury jet.
The Bottom Line
Whether this Gulfstream G500 becomes a profitable asset for “Air Punjab” or remains a symbol of VIP luxury is something time—and official transparency—will reveal. For now, N144S remains at the center of a heated national debate regarding economic priorities and public funds.
