Officials in Lahore have defended the decision to buy a new jet, saying the Punjab aircraft replacement is a necessary step to maintain safety, operational reliability and government continuity. Authorities emphasised that the move responds to aviation safety requirements and long-term administrative needs rather than short-term considerations.
According to government sources, the existing provincial plane had reached the end of its technical lifespan and was becoming increasingly unsafe and expensive to operate. Officials said recurring repairs and rising maintenance costs made continued use impractical and that replacement had become unavoidable to ensure dependable service.
The new aircraft is expected to remain in service for several decades and to support a wide range of official duties, including routine administrative travel and urgent emergency response missions. Authorities highlighted the aircraft’s role in reaching remote areas during natural disasters such as floods and in sustaining swift mobility for critical public service tasks.
Government spokespeople stressed that the jet is an institutional asset of the Punjab government and not a personal possession, and that it will serve successive administrations for 30 to 40 years. They also noted that the sale of the ageing aircraft could help offset acquisition costs and that a corporate utilisation model could further improve operational sustainability.
Citing international practice, officials pointed out that many advanced jurisdictions maintain dedicated aviation fleets to ensure readiness and governance continuity. The administration described the decision to modernise the fleet as prudent planning that prioritises modern, safe and efficient technology to protect long-term public interest.
