By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly session on Monday witnessed heated exchanges between treasury and opposition members over the provincial government’s decision to purchase an executive aircraft for the proposed “Air Punjab” project.
Read also: Punjab Assembly speaker engages students, workers in public dialogue session
The session, chaired by Panel of Chairperson Samiullah Khan, began with a delay of two hours and 12 minutes. During proceedings, Punjab Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister **Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman** defended the move, saying substantial groundwork had been completed for Air Punjab and that it would emerge as the “best airline” in the country.
Speaking at a press conference later in the Assembly’s media hall, the minister said legislation was essential for provincial development. He claimed the government had passed historic laws in the past two years, including the Punjab Facilitation Bazaar Authority Act, Punjab Establishment Bill, Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act and the Punjab Local Government Act.
He added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was focused on administrative performance, asserting she worked more than chief ministers of other provinces and was represented in the Assembly by her cabinet members.
Earlier, PML-N Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad lauded the government’s legislative performance, while also praising the Pakistan Army for what he termed successfully countering opposition narratives.
However, the opposition strongly criticized the aircraft purchase. PTI-backed member Brigadier (R) Mushtaq Ahmed alleged that while Pakistan International Airlines had been sold for Rs10 billion, the Punjab government had purchased an executive Gulfstream series aircraft worth Rs11 billion.
Referring to Pakistan International Airlines, he termed the move “an injustice to the people” amid soaring inflation and economic hardship. He questioned where the aircraft was registered and under what operational model it would function.
The opposition lawmaker further alleged violations of prisoners’ rights and criticized the government’s handling of inflation, claiming it had surged to 29 percent. He demanded that family members and chosen doctors be allowed access during a scheduled medical check-up of PTI’s incarcerated founder on February 25.
He also raised concerns over the powers granted to the Crime Control Department (CCD), alleging that extrajudicial authority had undermined the judicial system. He called upon the Supreme Court to take notice of the matter.
Amid the uproar, government member Christopher Philbos pointed out a lack of quorum. After ringing the bells for five minutes and failing to complete attendance, Panel of Chairperson Samiullah Khan adjourned the session until 11am Wednesday.
The controversy surrounding Air Punjab’s aircraft purchase is expected to intensify as the opposition vows to challenge the decision both inside and outside the Assembly.
