Punjab Assembly Debate Over Luxury Jet Purchase And Opposition Arrests

The recent acquisition of a luxury Gulfstream G500 jet by the Punjab government, valued at approximately Rs11 billion (around $38-42 million), has sparked significant controversy and backlash from opposition parties and the public. During a heated session of the Punjab Assembly on February 26, 2026, opposition members, led by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MPA Shazia Abid, questioned the necessity of such an extravagant purchase amid rising poverty rates, which have reached an 11-year high of 29%. Abid sarcastically asked, "Will the Chief Minister use this plane for visits to Rajanpur?" highlighting the disconnect between government spending and the economic struggles faced by citizens. Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi demanded transparency regarding the budgetary allocation for the aircraft, stating, "This luxury jet is unnecessary amid the economic challenges being faced by the country."