Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has served a legal notice seeking Rs5 billion in damages from federal minister and political ally Chaudhry Salik Hussain. The move follows his public claims of widespread corruption in Punjab.
The six-page notice was issued on her behalf by Additional Advocate General Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz. It addresses remarks Salik made during a television interview on November 2. In that interview he stated he had no concrete evidence yet heard stories of corruption in the province every day. He also claimed that files related to corruption had filled entire cupboards across Punjab departments.
The notice firmly rejects these statements. It points out that Salik failed to name any specific document, official inquiry, audit report, investigation, or verified complaint that could support his comments. The legal document demands that he withdraw the allegations completely. It further requires him to issue an unconditional public apology and clarification with the same level of prominence given to the original interview. Removal or correction of the disputed parts of the interview and related coverage is also requested.
Recipients of the notice have been given seven days to meet these demands. If they fail to do so, the chief minister may proceed with legal action under the Punjab Defamation Act 2024.
The notice comes after an open exchange between the two leaders. Speaking at a ceremony in Attock, Maryam challenged Salik to produce proof of his claims. She warned that she would take the matter to court if he could not back up his words. “You are a federal minister. Don’t make allegations, present evidence,” she said. She also linked his criticism to the posting of the deputy commissioner in Gujrat, suggesting he was upset because an officer of his preference was not appointed.
Salik later stood by his earlier remarks. He insisted that corruption continues in Punjab and denied seeking any particular officer for the Gujrat post. He noted that a deputy commissioner is already serving in the district.
The dispute between the two PML-N figures has drawn public attention as both belong to the same ruling alliance. Maryam’s decision to seek substantial damages signals her strong response to the unsubstantiated claims against the provincial administration she leads.
