Pakistan, Sept. 18 -- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday shot back at criticism over her use of an official aircraft to attend a family event in London, claiming that a chief minister's trips "are never personal" and insisting she had borne all trip-related expenses.

CM Maryam came under scrutiny when it emerged that she used the provincial government jet to make a private visit to London, with opposition leaders questioning the use of an official aircraft for a family event.

However, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has denied the allegation, also insisting that the trip was paid for "out of her own pocket".

Addressing a ceremony in Multan, the chief minister addressed the issue, noting criticism "directed at Marya...