Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain has clarified that he never directly named Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while discussing alleged corruption in Punjab.
His statement comes amid a growing political dispute after Maryam issued a Rs5 billion defamation notice challenging his allegations.
Speaking to journalists in Lahore, Salik also confirmed that the Punjab government had withdrawn his Elite Force security, which he said had been provided for approximately 18 months.
Salik Hussain Prepares Response to Legal Notice
The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader said his response to Maryam’s legal notice was ready and would be made public within days.
He maintained that his earlier comments concerned alleged governance problems rather than personal accusations against the chief minister.
Regarding his elder brother, Punjab Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Salik explained that Shafay had no prior knowledge of his statements.
He added that any decision about resigning from the provincial cabinet would be Shafay’s responsibility.
Maryam Nawaz Demands Rs5 Billion in Damages
The controversy began after Salik criticized Punjab’s administration during a television interview.
He alleged widespread corruption and questioned the distribution of development funds, claiming Lahore received greater attention than other districts.
However, Salik acknowledged that he lacked documentary evidence supporting his corruption allegations.
Maryam Nawaz rejected the accusations and demanded a retraction, an unconditional apology, and Rs5 billion in damages through a legal notice.
Punjab Government Withdraws Security
Following the dispute, additional Elite Force personnel assigned to Salik were recalled.
Punjab Police sources indicated that federal ministers would continue receiving security within provincial boundaries, although additional protection outside Punjab would not be provided.
Political Tensions Within PML-Q
The disagreement has also attracted attention because Salik’s brother, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, serves in Maryam’s provincial cabinet.
Shafay previously expressed support for his younger brother while acknowledging his independent political opinions.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between political allies, with Salik expected to present his formal legal response soon.
