ATTOCK: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Tuesday that she will send a defamation notice to Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain after he alleged corruption in the provincial administration.
Speaking at a ceremony in Attock, Maryam rejected the remarks made by the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader during a television talk show on Monday.
Salik had alleged that political considerations shaped development priorities in Punjab and claimed that funds were disproportionately directed toward Lahore.
“If you have evidence, bring it forth — otherwise I will drag you to court,” Maryam stated, questioning why Salik remains in a government he accuses of corruption.
The chief minister said the dispute stemmed from an administrative decision about the deputy commissioner of Gujrat rather than policy concerns.
Salik defended his remarks in later media comments, saying he spoke honestly and that corruption exists.
Read: Imran Khan Serves Defamation Notice to Federal Health Minister over False Claims
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari criticised Salik’s remarks, advising him not to criticise the administration.
Read: Naeem-ul-Haq sends Rs. 2 bn defamation notice to Maryam Nawaz
The political exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the ruling coalition, given the ties between various factions of the Chaudhry family and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
