Daily Times

LAHORE: At a time when more than 31 percent people of Punjab were living under the poverty line, the provincial government has decided to purchase an expensive mid-size executive jet aircraft for VVIP movement only, raising a question mark on this ‘intellectual initiative’. A tender notice has been advertised by the Punjab additional secretary (welfare) subjected ‘Procurement of Executive Jet Aircraft for the Government of Punjab’. The government already has a MI-17 (AP-BGX) helicopter, which was used by the chief minister. According to media reports, the provincial department has approved Rs 275.265 million for its repair and maintenance work. Sources privy to this development told Daily Times that two separate sealed bids are invited from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for supply to Punjab government, one for new super mid-size executive jet aircraft and second for pre-owned super mid-size executive jet aircraft. Sources further claimed that the market price of a brand new foreign plane is stated to be $30 million (approximately Rs 3 billion) while a secondhand jet would cost around $20 million (Rs 2 billion). Newly purchased air jet would be used for VVIP movement of government officials. The signed bids shall be submitted through registered mail/courier service or can be dropped in the tender box placed in the office of the additional secretary (welfare) before Tuesday. The bids would be opened in the said office at on the same day in the presence of bidders or their authorised representatives. According to latest report of United Nation “Multidimensional Poverty in Pakistan”, more than 31 percent of people were living below the poverty line in Punjab, as they were earning less than 3,030 rupees ($30) per month. Punjab also faces many challenges in education and health sector.