By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: An opposition lawmaker has submitted an adjournment motion in the Punjab Assembly seeking a debate over the alleged use of a government aircraft and reported expenditure of around Rs12.5 million during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s private visit to London.
The motion, submitted by MPA Waqas Mehmood Maan, states that, according to reports published in the media, the Punjab chief minister travelled to London in September 2026 to attend her daughter’s graduation ceremony.
Citing the media reports, the motion alleges that a Punjab government aircraft was used for the trip and approximately Rs12.5 million was spent from the public exchequer on fuel, parking and other related expenses.
The opposition legislator has described the matter as one of public importance and urgent nature, calling for the provincial government to place the facts before the House.
The motion argues that if the reports concerning the use of an official aircraft for a private visit are correct, questions arise over the permissible use of government resources, financial discipline and protection of public money.
It further states that the issue assumes greater significance at a time when people in Punjab are facing inflation, unemployment and difficulties related to basic amenities. The motion also refers to the recent Class 9 examination results, saying they have raised questions about the performance of the province’s education system.
Maan has sought details about the nature of the chief minister’s London visit, the basis on which the government aircraft was used, the expenditure incurred and whether the required legal, administrative and financial approvals were obtained.
The opposition MPA has requested that his adjournment motion be admitted and allowed to be debated in the Punjab Assembly so that the provincial government can clarify the matter before the House.
The claims concerning the Rs12.5 million expenditure and use of the government aircraft are allegations contained in the adjournment motion and attributed there to media reports; they should not be treated as independently established facts unless confirmed by official records or the Punjab government.