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LAHORE: There is a plan to buy a secondhand aeroplane for the high-flying Punjab chief minister, and sources say the search has already landed relevant officials their ‘cheap, inexpensive’ model that may help the government avoid any allegations of overspending and ostentatiousness.
The ‘blueprint’ of the deal is being readied these days. The idea is to purchase a 12-seater jet of a specific foreign company. The market price of a brand new plane of this foreign make is stated to be $30 million (approximately Rs3 billion).
The ‘direction’ is to buy a secondhand jet at around $20 million (Rs2 billion) and save the remaining amount.
There are other details that are being addressed. For example, the secondhand jet should not have been owned by a don, or a showbiz personality so as to avoid any ‘past bad links’.
Officials confide that an international tender would be invited for the plane. Most probably, the manufacturing company would be asked to look for an intending seller, and then supply the jet to the Punjab government.
The idea behind this ‘bypass’ is to avoid any allegations of buying the secondhand plane against kickbacks.
“The price of a new jet is normally known internationally. But that of a secondhand one is subject to haggling. The second choice nevertheless involves chances of inviting objections. That is why we intend to involve the manufacturing company,” an official shared.
“Yes, we will anyhow spend Rs2 billion on the chief minister’s plane,” he replied while agreeing that the spending on the facility was still huge.
Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2016
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Comments (143) Closed
Jun 04, 2016 12:28pm
Am I the only one who can't understand the need and why can't a helicopter be used instead?
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Jun 04, 2016 12:52pm
2 Billion only! Shaukat Khanam Peshawar cost only 4 Billion, if the Sharifs change their priorities, May they don't have to travel abroad for treatment in future
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Jun 04, 2016 01:07pm
Where is he flying to!
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Jun 04, 2016 01:19pm
CM is going overboard with buying a whole plane for himself. Does he need one as he is not head of country but of province and for a CM not needed to travel regulatly. Butwho can question this, fiture CM hopeful of opposition parties will keep quiet. They mighy next user.
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Jun 04, 2016 01:22pm
Is this some satire or real news?
If real then why cant HRH the CM of Punjab fly commercial just like the rest of us mere mortals and save a ton of money?
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Jun 04, 2016 01:24pm
Why can't he buy a ticket and fly in the national carrier namely PIA?
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Jun 04, 2016 01:27pm
From where this money is coming from, can anyone tell the real?
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Jun 04, 2016 02:08pm
why can't the CM of Punjab fly on PIA? Perhaps he realizes that they have destroyed PIA and the aircrafts are not safe. With Rs. 2 billion how many schools can be built in Pinjab? But then again that would mean educating common man which the government don't want to do because these politicians know if people get education they will see through the lies that are being told every day to deceive common man. Is there anyone in Pakistan who can get the priorities straight. God is the only reason Pakistan is still in existence . The ruling class has made sure the country is left with nothing by taking everything for personal benefit and corruption.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:12pm
Why ?
The need for a expensive transport
I am sure a helicopter would be a cheaper option.
They should be thinking of saving money. So many things could be done with $20 million. School water filter plant, etc.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:24pm
A school, a hospital, a blood clinic, a kidney dialysis machine center,( new $10,000; used $5,000 approx, per machine); in short $ 2 billion plus the annual running and maintenance cost of a private jet, could very easily support all three of the above options. The poor and needy need this.
Punjab's PM could simply travel less.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:27pm
Look, how much the poor CM is trying to save for us. These 2 genius brother never miss a chance to impress me.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:39pm
In no Western, advanced and civilized country this happens. Even the prime ministers of other countries travel in ordinary airlines to save the tax payers money. CM Shahbaz always creates drama by showing himself an ordinary man which is fake. How dare he thinks to use public money for his luxury travels? He can buy plane with his own money and travel with own fuel. Donald Trump is far better than him because he uses his personal plane and personal fuel. I wish he becomes the president of US. He is far better than lower level leaders we have. Shame on these people.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:39pm
Does a CM of a Province qualify for this type of Luxury benefits on Tax payers money, it does not make much difference, as these luxuries require highly paid maintenance.
Also what will you do if all the other CM ask for the same benefits.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:40pm
@Mohit (US) The cost to operate / maintain a helicopter is more than a plane. I cannot justify a 12 seater though.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:46pm
The Mayor of London does not even have an official car, let alone a plane. He travels to work from his home on public transport. The last Mayor of London use to travel to work on his bicycle.
Pakistan must be booming economically to offer such toys to their politicians.
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Jun 04, 2016 02:49pm
$20 million (2 billion) second hand plane is on the cards for CM Punjab, no doubt our politicians priorities are self centered , is this extravaganza is needed.. this huge amount can be used for the benefit of poor peoples. Why second hand go for brand new for 3 billion rupees who can stop the sharif empire from doing so.. please don't trick us go for brand new no need for any justifications and then other CMs to follow suit surely citing same perks and privileges...
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Jun 04, 2016 02:56pm
Any estimates for cost of maintenance and overhead including salaries!
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Jun 04, 2016 03:06pm
@Shahid 2 billion means 2000 crores. Are figures okay.
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Jun 04, 2016 03:09pm
Why does General Raheel and NAB not take action now?
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Jun 04, 2016 03:26pm
...I could see qaim Ali shah smiling in his sleep. If any CM needs a plane then he is the most deserving so that he can fly regularly over Thar
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Jun 04, 2016 03:28pm
There is no need for this spendng right now. The money can be spent on health education etc. Punjab already has a heli and a plane and are in fairly reasonable condition.
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Jun 04, 2016 03:31pm
We will not allow that. No sir. You will travel in PIA.
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Jun 04, 2016 03:32pm
The CM is so kind to the nation! He is buying a secondhand plane for 2 billion, instead of buying a new plane for 3 billion, thereby saving 1 billion. Recently they bragged about having made 'savings' in a similar manner, some of the projects were totally unneeded. If this is their idea of savings, help us God. Why does His Royal Highness need a plane at all? He should have mercy on this poor nation.
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Jun 04, 2016 03:45pm
First of all why does CM need to travel so much? He is CM not UN General Secretary. Shouldn't he stick around in Punjab? Secondly why Punjab CM, why not KP CM too?
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Jun 04, 2016 03:48pm
why don't he travel by road??????
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Jun 04, 2016 03:50pm
he should travel on public transport...
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Jun 04, 2016 04:01pm
@Shahid could not have said it better
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Jun 04, 2016 04:03pm
@Abdullah ; Not Thar, Dubai !
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Jun 04, 2016 04:03pm
I understand the need for the plane as it provides the fastest mode of transport and maximum flexibility. But, considering the current political and economic environment, the Punjab CM should avoid such acts until a better situation has been created.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:11pm
C Ms should have dependable and reliable airplanes. Last plane for Punjab govt, was purchased 25 years ago , after the previous cheap airplane had crashed with Governor Lodhi on board. The current airplane is in dangerous condition.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:12pm
@The Trusth Seeker... Trump charges his election campaign for his use of his jet.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:16pm
How many airports are there in Punjab state ? Just to visualise his trips !
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Jun 04, 2016 04:18pm
good going!! who needs spending on power, education, urban infrastructure, hospitals... since we are 10 years ahead of US and Europe.. lets buy JETSSS :)
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Jun 04, 2016 04:22pm
@Realist because PIA does not fly to small airstrips. And PIA also does not fly out of schedule.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:26pm
So thoughtful of him to look at buying a second hand plane instead of a new one. Hats off to you Sir.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:27pm
He is setting a good example to armed forces. Why they want new F-16s? Buy used ones!!
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Jun 04, 2016 04:28pm
@Mohit (US) Helicopters are slower and more expensive to operate. Also for security reasons you have to fly 2 or 3 at a time, in order to confuse an attacker. They are prone to breakdowns and have trouble in even moderate bad weather. A low 200 metre cloud ceiling could easily ground them.
Try taking a ride in one.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:30pm
Do other chief ministers have the same aeroplane?
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Jun 04, 2016 04:31pm
He can use the metro bus to travel inside Lahore, the motor way to travel to Islamabad and various other cities in Punjab. In case of a serious situation he can use a helicopter. There are plenty of cheaper options. Worst case scenario, lease a plane with less money being paid upfront.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:31pm
@Fawad it's actually better to have your own plane. Less interruptions for PIA and other commercial airlines. With the amobut of travel required for CM the cost will be recovered in about a year.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:34pm
Wow luxury is the top priority!
Why don't the CM travel on first/business class of top airlines?
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Jun 04, 2016 04:35pm
Use the money to purchase better weapons for the Army and police and Definately buy better bullet proof vests for the brave soldiers who lay their lives for our nation daily.
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Jun 04, 2016 04:42pm
Rs 2 billion can pay for a decent sized hospital, a school, small housing town for the needy, feed several thousand people in Ramazaan etc. And why only CM Punjab gets the plane? Why not CMs of other provinces of Pakistan?? This move is discriminating and will make other provinces of Pakistan feel insecure!!
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Jun 04, 2016 04:54pm
No wonder, welcome to the Banana Republic.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:05pm
@Noshin Too dangerous for CM. For public its ok.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:20pm
Second hand or brand new, Aeroplane needs runways for flying and landing, so how many cities in Pakistan have air strips, especially in Punjab ?
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Jun 04, 2016 05:22pm
Depressing news. These kings and princes have no shame.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:23pm
On a second thought.
The PM of Pakistan can and is managing the affairs of Pakistan sitting /lying in England, then surely the PM of Punjab can manage the affairs of Punjab, sitting in his office in Lahore.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:23pm
@Bano really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's OK when it's dangerous to public but when its come to CM it is indifferent. What kind of Democracy is prevailing in Pakistan???????????
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Jun 04, 2016 05:27pm
He should live in a building of Public sector Primary schools especially across the rural areas to get that feeling of mystery, for a weekend at least and should travel in Public transport without VVIP protocol.......
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Jun 04, 2016 05:28pm
If any chief minister needs a plane that be CM of Balochistan. It is a vast and very rugged province and traveling across the province takes days.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:28pm
PLz CM. say good bye.....Public don't want to trust you anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let the fresh blood to serve the nation, not the blood of yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jun 04, 2016 05:30pm
@Shahid Exactly!
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Jun 04, 2016 05:32pm
But they are rich businessman apart from politicians they can have there own plane rather than tax payers money.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:33pm
Dutch prime minister uses a BICYCLE to work in the Hague, no convoys, no chase car, zero, just a simple bicycle. Why Sharif bros always need luxury cars, big convoys, Comfort jet planes, An extravagant lifestyle and luxury treatment abroad even for minor health issues. All this is beyond my comprehension. Even the basic health faciliities are out of reach of the poor people in Pakistan.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:33pm
All CM should be provided state plane or military helicopter.
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Jun 04, 2016 05:43pm
A chief minister cant take the regular flights?
There is no hope.
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Jun 04, 2016 06:01pm
There is more margin for kickbacks from a private seller/broker than a manufacturer through overpricing etc
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Jun 04, 2016 06:03pm
A jet, so he can easily fly to his main home in the UK whenever he feels like it ?
Or to book from the country when the need arises, or heat is one, without the cumbersome process of booking a ticket online on a regular airline?
And if it's not being used, it will be sitting in some hanger at Lahore Airport most fo the time, collecting dust.
The 2 Billion, could also build 200 decent schools I'm sure!
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Jun 04, 2016 06:11pm
If he must, he could buy one of used PIA planes, for a lot less. At least the money will stay in the country.
On the other hand, I don't think CM of a province needs a plane, unless he has to travel out of his province or out of the country too frequently . But than a CM is supposed to focus on his province, which is not so huge that jet travel is the only way..... Helicopter or use the fancy motorways that the government spent billions on, and by car??
And why does he need to travel overseas in his official capacity as a CM of Punjab? To buy more flats in the UK??
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Jun 04, 2016 06:28pm
@khurramm
As if the Sharif kingdom require an approval/authorization from you.
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Jun 04, 2016 06:33pm
CM Sb: Pl buy a brand new plane. Life cycle cost of a brand new is much lower than a second hand plane. Do not make a mistake. wellwisher
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Jun 04, 2016 06:39pm
Simply put, leaks or not - Sharif's don't have plans to leave government
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Jun 04, 2016 06:45pm
The CM should stop his minions from proceeding with the search for one.
That will be a step worth applauding.
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Jun 04, 2016 06:54pm
Why can't he travel in PIA the national carrier??? 20 billion Rs could be used to buy electricity for poor people. Isn't?
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Jun 04, 2016 07:04pm
He is chief Minister of Lahore and surrounding area. He does not have to travel other parts of Punjab, so spending money on a plane would be waste of national resources.
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Jun 04, 2016 07:16pm
And only 2.1b on education in Budget? ???
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Jun 04, 2016 07:28pm
There's a glut in International Market for Business Jets of this size. A brand new business jet of this size can easily be negotiated for 20 Million Dollars.
what happened to two business jets in Punjab govt fleet?
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Jun 04, 2016 07:37pm
Pakistanis' are so self-serving to the extent that even after such activities, the concerned are being congratulated. He does not need a plane. He should travel along with everyone else on commercial flights. We cannot afford to push the boat out and spend extra on fuel and associated expenses. The most he can be accommodated with should be business class and that's it.
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Jun 04, 2016 07:38pm
Honeymooning on tax payers money. Unless he wants park the plane for a shot notice flight he can always get on hire at short notice.
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Jun 04, 2016 07:49pm
How big is Punjab that he needs a plane. Please use the public transport so you can get a reality check. Fix schools roads and hospitals.
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Jun 04, 2016 08:01pm
please pay attention to how much he is trying to save your money by buying a second hand airplane,just like all his mega projects,it is all about SAVINGS .
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Jun 04, 2016 08:16pm
Somebody should save Pakistan from these leaders.
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Jun 04, 2016 08:17pm
This news is to bring a feeling to general public that Sharifs are going to stay and rule Pakistan and there will be no action for the past corruption as evident from Panama leaks but they are mistaken as all those who have looted this country will be punished and the propose aeroplane will be used by pious and honest leader who care about Pakistan and not invest in offshore companies.
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Jun 04, 2016 08:24pm
SO much for building all those motorways and metros. Does he find them useless ?
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Jun 04, 2016 08:28pm
Oh let's not question this decision..it could derail the democracy.
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Jun 04, 2016 08:29pm
In taxi in London and plane in Pakistan..
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Jun 04, 2016 08:32pm
A leader leads by example......and this is a very bad example for a poor country.
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Jun 04, 2016 08:36pm
Why CM can use PIA scheduled flights?, we are a poor country with no electicity but need jets! Wow
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Jun 04, 2016 08:40pm
Dont worry Mr CM. Go ahead and buy the plane. No matter what you do or don't do, we will still vote for you.
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Jun 04, 2016 09:03pm
$20 million will buy a lot of solar panels to power street lights in Punjab, why not use the free Toyota Land Cruisers? they didn't cost a penny, apparently they were gifts. Why would you even consider to spend $20 million on a plane? You can get any where in Punjab in a matter of hours, its not like these politicians work 18 hour days and have no time to spare, besides, PIA can get you there with a cost of maybe 5000 rupees.
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Jun 04, 2016 09:11pm
A 12 seater secondhand jet at only 70% of the full price with the taxpayers' money. That already sounds like a ripoff. Recently Delta airlines in the US bought some used 777s for $10 million apiece, a fraction of the list price. And it is made to appear that we are getting a great deal. Why is it that these politicians always end up spending money that we don't have in the millions and billions of $s, while many in the country don't even have the basics!
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Jun 04, 2016 09:13pm
Now this is leadership and leaders. People are dying with hunger and they want "cheap" planes.
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Jun 04, 2016 09:15pm
We must remember the on going cost of owning an Air craft. Fuel, many crew members, hanger cost, hafty insurance, day to day maintenance and much more .
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Jun 04, 2016 09:17pm
I am blown away by the priorities of this government, why would you even consider the idea? shows me that our governments instead of coming up with ides to solve our issues, are always looking to better serve their own agendas, considering we are a poor nation, our leaders live and dress like an Arab oil Billionaires. Dar revealed the budget, its not looking people friendly yet again and the government failed yet again to hit the targeted GDP, but the government is looking again to benefit the leaders rather than the people
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Jun 04, 2016 09:42pm
@Zubaida khan : I wish I had enough money to take ride in one.. may ur words come true anyway..
Though I am not sure about the efficiency of these in Punjab.. are there enough landing straps? And I am yet to see 3-4 choppers flying just to deceive the attacker... no minister/ cm flies in personal plane in india.. or may be Pak is much more rich than India. . If u have to deceive the attackers, either miscreants have too powerful of the weaponry to shoot down a helicopter or you are a relative of CM...
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Jun 04, 2016 09:45pm
$30 million is cheap?? That's crazy, what people don't know is that many small planes don't cost much, in fact some are cheaper than a land cruiser. In Arizona New Mexico etc flying small personal aircrafts is common. And if they manufacture it in Pakistan it ll be even cheaper. We hv the logistics at Kamra and other facilities to make a 12 passenger
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Jun 04, 2016 09:48pm
In India every state maintains small fleet of aircrafts for state needs.
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Jun 04, 2016 09:49pm
$20 million for a plane and $90 million for afghan parliament. Invest in democracy.
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Jun 04, 2016 09:50pm
Why not lease one? You don't have to pay up front. And you can ask a company to ensure its maintenance is done properly.
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Jun 04, 2016 09:55pm
He should travel on a commercial flight or by helicopter where no flight is available.
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Jun 04, 2016 10:03pm
you mean for "Khadim-e- Aala"
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Jun 04, 2016 10:04pm
Its not about one time cost of a plane .... the life cycle cost (higher maintenance + spares) of second hand plane will definitely surpass the price of a new plane. So, its just another way of presenting your expenses from public money.
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Jun 04, 2016 10:15pm
@Lafanga most heads of governments and states use private planes. even in poor countries. it saves time, effort, and in long term money.
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Jun 04, 2016 10:32pm
The CM saheb and family are rich enough to spend / spare any amount and so should pay from own pocket.
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Jun 04, 2016 10:44pm
It is risky to buy old planes, might as well spend one billion more.
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Jun 04, 2016 10:48pm
I think he needs it to travel in and around punjab and meet his family and friend's etc .Its a tough job and he definitely need to go on trips to relax . I would recommend to go to the top of the class and buy Airbus A319 Corporate Jet – Price only $80.7 million. if you have to spend money then spend well and buy something that will not need a lot of maintenance !!!!!
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Jun 04, 2016 11:25pm
So he has eleven family members.
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Jun 04, 2016 11:41pm
@DBC 200 cr Pak rupees.
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Jun 04, 2016 11:43pm
For a state about 2 lakhs sq miles in size, a hired fleet of choppers should suffice. Also, flying hours have to be really curtailed.
100 cr INR on a plane ? Exorbitant !
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Jun 05, 2016 12:14am
Why can't this money be spent on improving health care system? For that matter any system in Pakistan.
As I said our people of this country have to wake up and see what these politicians do and how they live a lavish life when every common person is getting killed by this corruption.
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Jun 05, 2016 12:31am
Everyone, you're jumping the gun! Hold your horses! The CM said that he will be paying for the jet with his own money. No money from the government will be spent. Further, he will also pay for running the plane from his own pocket. Even further, during the time it is not being used, he will use it to supply relief goods to remote areas of the country at his own cost! He says he's become a new man since his brother's heart operation! He is now focused on his 'akhirah' over 'duniya'.
Got ya!
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Jun 05, 2016 01:06am
@RK perhaps heaven
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Jun 05, 2016 01:10am
Why is everyone surprised? This is a well established trait of the CM Punjab and his family. Even though they are billionaires, they prefer that the government pays for their personal comforts and luxuries. The cars, travels, maintenance and security of personal residences, so this additional small amount of $20.0 million is no big deal for them. The nation owes it to the CM for provision of his exemplary service for the last 25+ years to the public in Punjab. Khadim-e-ala deserves it! Give him a break
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Jun 05, 2016 01:22am
....and the irony is, the officials want to avoid allegations of overspending, and save $10m.
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Jun 05, 2016 01:24am
Good or bad, PML-N has done some for the cities and for people. PPP has only taken the money. If not military take over which will be bad for Pakistan, I do not see any other party or person viable option to run the country. Sad for us, lake of strong institutions and lack of sincer politicians.
Coming to the point, let have Shabaz a plane or helicopter.
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Jun 05, 2016 01:38am
Opt for new plane from US,and avoid purchasing a used one.
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Jun 05, 2016 02:21am
What is the return on this investment?
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Jun 05, 2016 02:29am
Is purchase of this plane necessary? We are a poor country with children dying of starvation and lack of medical facilities in Thar.
Majority of the citizens do not have access to clean water, do not have decent housing and hardly any government provided medical services. People are still burning cow dung for cooking as they cannot afford fuel. We should work on our priorities and be fearful of the judgement of God Almighty. we can surely avoid spending
$ 20,000,000 of people's money on a second hand plane just for the comfort and prestige of the Chief Minister.
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Jun 05, 2016 02:47am
@RK from Lahore to Islamabad. Apparently the motorway they built is not good enough for them.
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Jun 05, 2016 03:01am
@Lafanga because he is HRH, as you observed.
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Jun 05, 2016 03:23am
With 2 billion we can open a couple of universities!
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Jun 05, 2016 03:27am
@Abdullah he already got a Rs. 1 billion worth helicopter which all our provincial members use from time to time.
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Jun 05, 2016 03:56am
@Haha you are comparing city of London with an area of 606 sq miles and a population of 8 million with the province of Punjab with an area of 80,000 sq miles and a population of 100 million.
Now you see the problem?
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Jun 05, 2016 04:07am
@The Trusth Seeker at least speak the truth. The governors of New Mexico, Alaska and Texas have private jets. So don't use a single brush to stroke everyone.
In modern times private jets are a a necessity not a luxury. It was similar with air conditioners and cars a while back. They were considered luxury items.
A private jet will actually save a lot of money and public inconvenience. As far as security is concerned remember what happened to Salman Taseer.
Also in many states here government officials a free to use National Guard and USA Army transport planes.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:08am
@parveez helicopters cost more, cannot be used in the slightest of bad weatger, have less capacity, and you need 4 of them.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:09am
@qaiser ahmed and you would still be paying for the CMS travel. What's the point? CM is not a charity case.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:18am
@Realist PIA does not fly to small strops, or small towns.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:20am
@Insaf it works out nicely. You can buy a used GD280 fo under $5 million. Average yearly cost is around $234k. So if your travel budget is above that then you can save and have the facility to fly anytime.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:21am
@Auk 70% appears to be padded. Used should be under $5 million for a 2 year old Gulfstream.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:22am
@Shahid but future leaders will still need to travel.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:25am
@RK punjab has 34 districts and 43 airports. That's where he travels too.
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Jun 05, 2016 05:22am
He has the money let him buy it for his personal use.
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Jun 05, 2016 05:53am
King Louis XIV, who was beheaded during the French Revolution, had a wife called Marie Antoinette.
She was once told of the sufferings of the French people. "They don't have enough bread to eat"she was told.
"Let them eat cakes, then!" was her reply.
These excesses have happened throughout history and will continue to happen unless there is a forceful check to these excesses.
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Jun 05, 2016 06:22am
First of all, CM does not need a jet. He can travel by car or PIA plane when he has to. Secondly, it does not have to be a jet. A Cesna will do the job. It will cost less than 3 million dollars. Also, a used jet in good condition costs less than 10 million dollars. If he has difficulty finding one, let me know, I can help him.
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Jun 05, 2016 06:52am
Manohar Parrikar, the present Defence Minister of India was once the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat.
He used to travel to his office on a simple motor scooter.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former PM used to drive a simple Maruti-Suzuki car himself to his office and never ate more than 2 simple vegetarian dishes for his lunch!:)
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Jun 05, 2016 08:02am
I can understand the need for a plane for the Punjab Government (can be used by the PM also) however we should not forget that very soon the whole province will be linked with excellent roads and highways thus diminishing the need to fly from city to city.
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Jun 05, 2016 09:01am
Rs.2 billion and what about the VIP maintenance and crew salary.....and why 12 seater!...and what is the need of this expense
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Jun 05, 2016 10:40am
Very disappointed to see such wastage. These are the rulers of the country whose founder denied to have any tea in the parliament on public money but ordered to have such things at home at personal expenses.
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Jun 05, 2016 10:42am
most places in Punjab can be reached by road within 4 hours why need for a plane !
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Jun 05, 2016 12:17pm
@Raees He is not head of state. He is a CM of a province. Is he more popular and important than mayor of London who takes public transport going to work every day.
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Jun 05, 2016 01:33pm
Thanks to Imran Khan, the CM of Punjab is now cautious in purchasing.
Thanks to Imran Khan for creating this awareness.
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Jun 05, 2016 01:37pm
For all those who are recommending to use a helicopter instead of a Jet. Please be realistic. How can the CM, his wife, kids, cousins, advisors and bawarchi (cook) fit inside a helicopter. It is justified that he use a Jet plane.
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Jun 05, 2016 03:00pm
Come on Guys!! Its only USD 20 Millions for his highness. People will still vote him if he plans to spend $ 2 Billion!
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Jun 05, 2016 04:09pm
@Ako commercial plans do not fly all over the province. They only fly commercall viable destinations.
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Jun 05, 2016 04:42pm
Every morning I see English Home secretary on his old bicycle to his office. If a person with authority and responsibilities is truly committed to people welfare, he will live within and walk and eat with them. This how one understand how to build a nation.
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Jun 05, 2016 06:27pm
very interesting comments... by now we should know their leisure and luxury is far more important than anything else.. they own the country we are just the tenants, and shortly the great Landlord will give us notice that our lease has expired...if you dont know them by now you will never never, never know them...
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Jun 06, 2016 01:53am
He is a frugal man who drives a cheap car and now wants to spend only a couple of billion rupees to buy a cheap plane other big spenders who spend billions in offshore accounts can learn from this frugal gentleman who knows the value of a dollar. We pakistanis should follow his example as he leads from the front and should buy cheap clothes cheap food and cheap houses send our kids to cheap schools with cheap books and have cheap funerals when we are sent to the grave by cheap medical care and medicines or are blown up by cheap bombs thank you sir you lead and we follow.
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Jun 06, 2016 06:08am
@Seneca Are you OK he is buying with the funds of Panjab , KPK CM can by two if there is enough money with the State.
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Jun 06, 2016 06:13am
They are not concerned with the needs of common man the same is the prolem with East Panjab CM the father is CM and the son is Dy.CM both always fly in planes or helicoptors they are Kings and can do what ever they like we can only criticise the size of East Panjab is such that a man can travel from one end to the other in day.
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Jun 06, 2016 10:30am
Only three cities in Punjab have airports?
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Jun 06, 2016 02:00pm
@Mohit (US) In India, also some of the state like Gujarat and maharashatra have already purchased Such plane for CM
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Jun 06, 2016 06:01pm
@brar It would have been better if some statistics on the CM's travel last year has been done and the total travel cost of that with number of staff who travel with him, journey time and overnight stay costs included. Then it will be easier to see if this is a cheaper option in the long run. Also, it should be possible to have a booking system to lend the plane to neighbouring CMs at a cost. It is equally important to note that we live in a world where appearances do matter. CM of a prosperous province and country cannot travel cheap class.
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