Amid the Imran Khan administration’s claims of cutting down expenses as part of its austerity drive, the Punjab government has sought from the exchequer additional funds worth over Rs22 million to meet the outlays of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar’s flying habits, a private media outlet reported Monday.
According to reports, an amount of Rs22.1 million for the VIP flying routine of the provincial chief executive has been sought, which is other than Rs14.67 million previously allocated by the government for the purpose.
In this regard, a huddle of the provincial sub-cabinet for finance has also been summoned by Buzdar on January 15, wherein an approval will be granted for the release of the required funds. Moreover, the summary pertaining to a supplementary grant has also been forwarded to the cabinet.
It may be noted that this isn’t the first time Buzdar’s air travels have stirred controversy.
He had previously drawn the ire of netizens for taking the official helicopter of the government to Mian Chanu so that he could extend condolences to his friend on the death of the latter’s father.
Prior to that, with just a week in office, Buzdar had been spotted using a private jet to travel along with his family. In a picture, the chief minister could be seen sitting in a jet along with his family.
Defending Buzdar, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had said, “There is no issue if the Punjab chief minister travels with his family on a private plane.”