Pakistan Acquisition of Gulfstream GVII-G500 Jet Sparks Controversy, Raising New Questions About VIP Use and Impacting Aviation Future of Air Punjab

Published on February 23, 2026

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The Punjab Government in Pakistan has been under intense media scrutiny following the purchase of a 2019 Gulfstream GVII-G500, an ultra-long-range business jet, with many speculating about its intended use and the future of the aviation industry in the country. The aircraft, which is to be used in the Air Punjab fleet, a regional airline launched by the government in April 2026, has sparked a lot of debate about the use of VIP transport, government expenditure, and the use of luxury jets in government-run airlines.

The Gulfstream GVII-G500, a 15-seat VIP transport jet, has been included in the Air Punjab fleet, although Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bukhari has clarified that the aircraft is for commercial use only and will not be used for VIP transport. However, many people have questioned the use of such an expensive aircraft in a country that is struggling economically.

The Controversy: Aircraft Acquisition and Use for VIP Transport

The GVII-G500, registered as N144S (msn 72022), departed Sioux Falls, USA, on December 26, 2025, and made stops in Bangor International and Hurghada before landing at Lahore International Airport on December 28. Since arriving in Pakistan, the jet has been used with the callsign ‘PUNJAB2’ when Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is onboard, fueling suspicions that the aircraft is being utilized for VIP transport.

Previously, the jet had been privately operated out of Memphis International and was listed for sale by Avpro, an aircraft transaction specialist, in September 2025. After being sold to the Punjab government on November 14, the jet’s new role has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the logic behind operating such a luxury aircraft in a commercial airline operation.

Political and Public Backlash: Government Spending Under Fire

The purchase has ignited backlash from former ministers, governors, and political opponents. Miftah Ismail, the former federal finance minister, dismissed the explanation that the jet was acquired as part of Air Punjab’s fleet strategy, arguing that business jets make no commercial sense for an airline. According to Ismail, the acquisition amounts to excessive expenditure and the jet is likely intended for VIP transport under the guise of airline operations.

Officials from the Punjab government, however, continue to defend the acquisition, claiming that the GVII-G500 is part of a larger fleet expansion strategy for Air Punjab. They explain that the jet represents one component of a broader diversification effort to establish the airline with a range of aircraft, including both owned and leased options. The intention is to create a balanced fleet to meet both domestic and international travel demands as the airline grows.

Air Punjab’s Role in Pakistan’s Aviation Sector

The acquisition of the GVII-G500 is part of a broader push by the Punjab government to develop its aviation sector. The launch of Air Punjab is one of the most significant initiatives in Pakistan’s aviation landscape, aiming to provide enhanced connectivity through a regional airline backed by the provincial government.

Air Punjab plans to initially operate seven Airbus aircraft on domestic routes, expanding to international routes once the airline is firmly established. The airline’s first operational asset will be the Punjab chief minister’s existing helicopter, which will be inducted into the fleet. Despite the controversy surrounding the GVII-G500, the government maintains that the airline’s core objective is to promote affordable domestic travel and provide a new alternative for Pakistan’s growing air travel market.

Concerns for Pakistan’s Aviation Industry: The Bigger Picture

While the Punjab government defends its purchase, the aviation sector as a whole may face long-term implications. Critics argue that acquiring such expensive, high-maintenance aircraft in a market that still struggles with financial instability and underdeveloped infrastructure may detract from efforts to build a sustainable airline network. The focus should be on building a commercially viable fleet with a focus on cost-efficiency, especially as Air Punjab enters an already competitive market with established players like PIA.

Furthermore, the issue of government spending on luxury aircraft raises questions about priorities within the aviation sector. As Air Punjab is set to expand, it faces the challenge of proving that the Gulfstream GVII-G500 is not a symbol of excess but rather an integral part of a strategic vision for the future of air travel in Pakistan. This could have lasting effects on public opinion and trust in the government’s aviation policies moving forward.

The Future of Pakistan’s Aviation Sector: A Diversified Vision or Excessive Luxury?

The overall vision for the aviation industry in Pakistan is to enhance connectivity and ensure sustainable development. With the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in late 2025 and the subsequent purchase of a 75% stake by a group of companies led by Arif Habib Corporation, the country is on the cusp of a more diversified and competitive aviation industry. Nevertheless, the GVII-G500 purchase could pose a question about how the Punjab government will address the increasing need for affordable and efficient air travel while also investing in luxury aircraft.

With the impending launch of Air Punjab, the aviation industry is faced with the challenge of ensuring that it has access to efficient and modern aircraft while also being financially responsible. The GVII-G500 purchase, although part of a larger plan, could be a reminder of the challenges that the aviation industry in Pakistan faces, where commercial success and public image must be carefully managed.