Punjab government to pursue legal action over claims regarding official jet purchase

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has announced its intention to initiate legal proceedings against individuals and platforms involved in what it describes as a "malicious campaign" concerning the purchase and use of an official aircraft.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated on Sunday that the provincial government will take action under the Defamation Law 2024 against those spreading what she termed as "lies and fabricated stories" about the official plane. The campaign, according to Aurangzeb, has targeted the government and specifically Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who faced significant criticism from opposition parties and some journalists last month regarding the acquisition of the aircraft.

The controversy centers on the purchase of a Gulfstream jet, which reportedly has a seating capacity of 19 and is valued between $38 million and $42 million (over Rs10 billion). The aircraft was acquired for the use of the Punjab chief minister, a move that has drawn scrutiny and allegations from various quarters.

Addressing the issue on social media platform X, Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that the government would not allow the spread of disinformation to go unanswered. She described those responsible for the campaign as "known pathological liars and peddlers of fake news," and reiterated the administration's commitment to pursuing legal remedies against "every individual and platform" involved.

The Punjab government has denied claims that the jet was acquired solely for the chief minister's personal use. Officials have maintained that the purchase was made for official purposes, and have dismissed the allegations circulating in the media and on social platforms as unfounded.

"Disinformation will no longer go unanswered," Aurangzeb stated, underscoring the government's resolve to address what it views as deliberate attempts to mislead the public about the use and purpose of the official plane.

The legal action will be pursued under the recently enacted Defamation Law 2024, which the government says is intended to curb the spread of false information and protect the reputation of public officials and institutions.