Summary: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sent a Rs5 billion defamation notice to Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his allegations of corruption in Punjab. The notice also names an ARY News programme host and the channel’s chairman. Salik, however, has refused to withdraw his remarks and maintains that corruption is taking place in the province.
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sent a Rs5 billion defamation notice to Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his allegations of corruption in the provincial government.
The legal notice demands that Salik withdraw his remarks, issue an unconditional apology and pay Rs5 billion in damages. It also names ARY News programme host Naeem Ashraf Butt and channel chairman Muhammad Iqbal over the broadcast of the allegations.
According to the notice, Salik made the allegations during a television interview, claiming that corruption was widespread in Punjab and that accounts of alleged wrongdoing were being reported regularly.
The notice described his statements as baseless, unverified and defamatory, arguing that he had failed to provide documentary evidence to support the accusations.
It also called on the recipients to remove or suitably correct the relevant portions of the interview. They have been given seven days to comply, failing which legal proceedings may be initiated.
The development follows Maryam Nawaz’s address to students at an event in Attock, where she challenged the federal minister to present evidence supporting his allegations or face legal action.
The chief minister said public representatives should provide proof rather than make accusations. She also questioned why Salik remained part of the federal government if he believed corruption was taking place in Punjab.
Maryam further suggested that the dispute was linked to the transfer of the deputy commissioner of Gujrat, alleging that Salik had wanted an officer of his choice appointed to the position.
However, Chaudhry Salik Hussain has stood by his remarks and maintained that corruption is taking place in Punjab.
Responding to the controversy, the federal minister said he had spoken honestly during the interview and rejected the suggestion that he had sought the appointment of a deputy commissioner.
He also said that people holding positions of authority should remain humble and added that he was not withdrawing his position on the corruption allegations.
The exchange has intensified differences between the Punjab government and the PML-Q leader, turning the allegations into a legal and political dispute.
We welcome your contributions to The Pakistan Observer, Submit your blogs, articles, press releases, news story pitches and news features.
Please send your submissions to our News Room or Editorial team.
