The Punjab provincial government has announced it will pursue legal action against individuals and platforms spreading false claims regarding the use of an official government jet. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the campaign targeting the administration and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is malicious and based on deliberate misinformation.

The controversy arose after the government acquired a Gulfstream 19 seater jet valued between $38 million and $42 million (over Rs10 billion) for official use. Social media claims alleged that the Chief Minister’s son, Junaid Safdar, used the aircraft for personal trips to Europe. Aurangzeb rejected these reports describing them as deliberate lies spread by peddlers of fake news.

She emphasized that spreading false information constitutes defamation under the Defamation Law 2024 warning that all involved will face legal action. The minister stated the government will pursue maximum penalties to protect institutions and maintain public trust.

Opposition parties criticized the jet’s acquisition citing economic hardships faced by citizens. Officials clarified that the previous jet was outdated and a new aircraft was necessary for safety operational efficiency and part of a planned provincial airline project. Aurangzeb stressed that disinformation will no longer be tolerated.