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Information Blocked: Punjab CM Office Cites "Safety Concerns" to Deny RTI Requests on Maryam’s Travel and $40M Luxury Jet
The Punjab Chief Minister’s Office has declined to provide details regarding CM Maryam Nawaz’s official vehicles, foreign trips, and the government’s acquisition of a $40 million luxury jet, citing security exceptions.
ND
by News Desk
2026-05-13
Information Blocked: Punjab CM Office Cites

The refusal comes in response to two Right to Information (RTI) applications filed by lawyer Abdullah Malik in July 2025 and February 2026. Despite RTI being a constitutionally protected right in Pakistan, the CM's Office issued a formal denial on April 28, which was received by the petitioner on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

  • The "Safety" Shield: The Public Information Officer (PIO) cited Section 13(1)(e) of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, claiming that disclosing details about the CM’s vehicles and travel could jeopardize the "life, health, or safety" of individuals.

  • The Luxury Jet Mystery: One request specifically targeted the Gulfstream G500, a 19-seater jet valued at approximately $38M to $42M. While the administration previously hinted the purchase was for a "proposed airline," the CM's Office now claims the information is "not held" by their department.

  • Detailed Denials: The office also refused to share:

    • Maintenance and fuel costs for the official vehicle fleet.

    • Expenses and official approval for the CM’s foreign tours, including a recent trip to Japan.

    • The size and salary breakdown of the CM House social media team.

  • A Political Reversal: Critics have pointed out the irony of the situation; in 2021, the PML-N (then in opposition) heavily criticized the PTI government for using similar "security exceptions" to hide details about then-CM Usman Buzdar’s official spending.
Tagged:

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