ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain has defended his remarks about alleged corruption in Punjab, insisting that he spoke the truth amid a growing political dispute with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Salik said he prayed to God to protect him from arrogance and maintained that corruption was taking place in the province. He also denied seeking the appointment of a deputy commissioner, saying the officer was already posted.
The federal minister stressed that people should remain humble when entrusted with authority and clarified that the matter had nothing to do with provincial boundaries.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz announced that she would send a damages notice to Salik over his allegations.
Addressing an event in Attock, the chief minister challenged the federal minister to provide evidence of corruption, warning that she would take legal action if he failed to substantiate his claims.
Maryam questioned Salik’s praise for the government of former Punjab chief minister Parvez Elahi, recalling an incident in which her vehicle was submerged in rainwater during a visit to Gujrat.
She also questioned why Salik remained part of the government if he believed it was corrupt.
The Punjab chief minister maintained that appointments in the province were made on merit, adding that recommendations in official postings harmed the country and its people.
The exchange has intensified political tensions between the federal minister and the Punjab government, with the possibility of legal proceedings adding another dimension to the dispute.
