LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced plans to send a defamation notice to federal minister and political ally Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his allegations of corruption in the province, challenging him to substantiate his assertions.
Addressing a ceremony in Attock, the chief minister said Salik should produce evidence if he had any to support his allegations.
“You are a federal minister. Don’t make allegations, present evidence,” Maryam said, adding that she would take him to court if he failed to substantiate his remarks.
Questioning Salik’s criticism of the provincial administration, Maryam asked why he continued to serve as a minister if he believed the government was so corrupt.
She also linked his criticism to the appointment of the deputy commissioner in Gujrat, saying he was upset because an officer of his choice had not been posted to the district.
Maryam maintained that officers in Punjab were appointed on merit and said accepting recommendations for official postings ultimately harmed the country and its people.
Referring to Salik’s praise for former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi’s government, she recalled visiting Gujrat during rainfall and said the accumulated water was so deep that her vehicle nearly submerged.
Responding to the chief minister, Salik stood by his remarks about corruption in Punjab and rejected her assertion regarding the Gujrat deputy commissioner’s appointment.
“I stand by my statement. Corruption is taking place in Punjab,” the federal minister said.
Salik said there had been no request from him to appoint a deputy commissioner, adding that an officer was already serving in the position.
He also remarked that those entrusted with authority should remain humble, saying he had responded truthfully to the matter.
