Iqrar-ul-Hassan Questions Source of Rs271 Million Payment for Maryam Nawaz’s Official Aircraft

LAHORE:Head of the Awam Raj Tehreek Iqrar-ul-Hassan has questioned the source of the Rs271 million payment reportedly made for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s use of a government aircraft, asking who made the payment and whether any benefits were received in return.

In a video statement shared on X, Iqrar-ul-Hassan referred to Maryam Nawaz’s declared assets and claimed that her 2024 wealth statement showed cash holdings of around Rs10.8 million and jewellery worth approximately Rs1.7 million.

He also claimed that Maryam Nawaz had disclosed an outstanding liability of around Rs28 million owed to her brother. On this basis, he questioned how the reported aircraft expenses of Rs271 million were paid.

Iqrar-ul-Hassan said the issue was not simply whether the money had been paid, but also who had made the payment and whether anyone else had paid the amount on her behalf. He demanded that the Punjab chief minister explain the source and purpose of the payment.

He further alleged that using a government aircraft for a private purpose itself raised questions of public accountability, regardless of whether the expenses were subsequently reimbursed.

Referring to international examples, Iqrar-ul-Hassan claimed that politicians in Australia and Poland had faced consequences after using government resources for private purposes. He cited these cases as examples of the standards he believed should apply to public officials.

He also criticised Punjab government ministers over previous explanations concerning the purpose of the aircraft, particularly claims that it had been acquired for the proposed Air Punjab initiative.

Iqrar-ul-Hassan questioned what action, if any, would be taken over those statements and said the Punjab chief minister should answer questions surrounding the aircraft’s use and payment.

His remarks constitute political criticism and allegations; the claims regarding the source of funds and any alleged benefits received in return would require independent verification and an official response from the Punjab government or Maryam Nawaz.