The Government of Punjab has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against individuals and platforms allegedly involved in spreading misinformation about the use of an official aircraft by the provincial administration.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government had taken notice of what she described as a “malicious campaign of lies and fabricated stories” regarding the provincial government’s aircraft.
In a statement posted on X, Aurangzeb alleged that the campaign was being driven by individuals she referred to as “pathological liars and peddlers of fake news.”
She announced that the government would pursue legal action against those responsible under the Defamation Law 2024.
“Disinformation will no longer go unanswered,” Aurangzeb said, warning that individuals and media platforms attempting to malign institutions or mislead the public would face legal consequences.
She further stated that the government intends to seek the maximum penalties available under the law to send a strong message against the spread of misinformation.
Response from Punjab Information Minister
Azma Zahid Bukhari also addressed the controversy, saying that false claims had initially circulated regarding Maryam Nawaz allegedly travelling abroad, followed by what she described as fabricated stories about the chief minister’s family.
Bukhari criticised critics of the government, stating that the same effort used to spread misinformation could have been directed toward public welfare.
She maintained that despite the criticism, the chief minister would continue launching initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens.
Jet Sent to Vienna for Inspection
Earlier, Bukhari rejected rumours suggesting that the newly acquired official aircraft was being used personally by her son.
She clarified that the government’s Gulfstream jet currently located in Vienna had been sent there for a technical inspection, which she said was part of routine contractual maintenance requirements.
The aircraft has remained at the centre of political debate since reports emerged about the multi-billion-rupee luxury jet, with critics questioning the provincial government’s commitment to austerity amid Pakistan’s ongoing economic challenges.
