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In a country struggling under the weight of economic hardship and IMF loans, where food shortages are rampant and poverty is a daily reality for millions, the transformation of a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) air ambulance into a luxury jet for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sparked widespread outrage and controversy.
The A-1102 Airbus 319, originally acquired by the Pakistan Air Force in May 2022 for humanitarian purposes, was initially used as an air ambulance, famously evacuating Pakistani mountaineer Samina Baig from Skardu to Rawalpindi in July 2024. However, in an unexpected move, top sources confirmed to CNN-News18 that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu approved the conversion of the life-saving aircraft into a lavish jet fit for the prime minister and other VIPs.
The jet, now equipped with luxury amenities similar to those of the US President’s Air Force One, has state-of-the-art facilities, high-end lounges, private bedrooms, and sophisticated communication systems. A far cry from the small Gulfstream jet (J-756) previously used for official trips, the new A-1102 is designed to provide maximum comfort on long flights and is being used by Sharif for his visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Sources suggest the decision to convert the air ambulance into a luxury jet was made to please Sharif after he extended Sidhu’s tenure in the wake of the conflict with India in May this year after Operation Sindoor.
Critics, however, are not pleased. In a nation beset by economic instability, with food prices soaring and millions facing severe malnutrition, the sight of the prime minister and his cabinet members boarding a lavish jet has sparked outrage. Many see this as a symbol of the growing disconnect between Pakistan’s elite and its struggling populace.
The decision to repurpose the A-1102 is being viewed by many as a stark reminder of the priorities of Pakistan’s leadership, with resources seemingly flowing toward the comfort of those in power while the nation grapples with its most pressing issues. The move has raised important questions about the integrity of Pakistan’s political elite and the broader impact of such actions on public trust, especially as the country teeters on the brink of an economic crisis.
