Punjab Government to Pursue Legal Action Over ‘Malicious Campaign’ Regarding Official Jet Use

LAHORE – The Punjab government, led by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, has announced its intention to take legal action against individuals and platforms involved in what it describes as a “malicious campaign” concerning the use of an official aircraft by the provincial administration. The move comes amid scrutiny over the government’s claims that a newly procured luxury jet was undergoing routine maintenance .

Allegations of Disinformation

Aurangzeb, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated she had taken note of a “deliberate malicious campaign of lies and fabricated stories about the use of the official plane of the Punjab government.” She alleges the campaign is being driven by “known pathological liars and peddlers of fake news” .

The provincial government intends to pursue legal proceedings against “every individual and platform” involved, citing the Defamation Law 2024 . Aurangzeb warned that those attempting to “malign institutions and mislead the public” would face legal consequences, and the government aims to “seek recourse to the maximum penalty under the law” .

Response to Claims Regarding CM’s Travel

Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari addressed rumors regarding the use of the newly procured jet for personal travel, specifically denying claims that her son was using the aircraft. She stated the plane was sent to Vienna for a technical inspection, a standard contractual obligation .

Azma Bukhari also responded to false claims about Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s travel, stating that the energy spent spreading lies could be better used for public welfare. She expressed confidence that Maryam Nawaz would continue to implement initiatives for the benefit of the people .

Controversy Surrounding the Aircraft

The Gulfstream aircraft has been a subject of controversy since reports of its multi-billion-rupee cost surfaced, with critics questioning the government’s commitment to austerity given the country’s ongoing debt cycle .

Marriyum Aurangzeb, who currently serves as Senior Minister in the Government of Punjab since March 2024, previously held the position of Federal Minister of Information & Broadcasting twice, first from April 2018 to May 2018 and again from April 2022 to August 2023 .