Lahore/Attock, November 3,2026: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sought Rs5 billion in damages from Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his allegations of corruption in Punjab, according to a legal notice served on the minister.
The six-page notice, issued on Maryam’s behalf by Additional Advocate General Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz, concerns remarks made by Salik during an interview with a private television channel on November 2.
According to the notice, Salik had said that although he did not possess evidence, he heard stories of corruption in Punjab every day. He also claimed that corruption-related files had filled “entire cupboards” in the province.
The notice challenged the allegations, stating that the federal minister had failed to identify any document, official inquiry, audit observation, investigation, complaint or other verifiable source to substantiate his claims.
It called upon the recipients to withdraw the disputed allegations and publish an “unconditional and unequivocal apology and clarification” with prominence equivalent to that given to the original remarks.
The notice also demands the removal or correction of the disputed portions of the interview and related material, besides seeking Rs5 billion in damages for what it describes as harm to the chief minister’s reputation.
The recipients have been given seven days to comply with the demands, failing which Maryam may initiate legal proceedings, including under the Punjab Defamation Act, 2024.
Maryam had challenged Salik to present evidence
The legal notice follows a public exchange between Maryam and Salik over his allegations of corruption in the provincial administration.
Addressing a ceremony in Attock earlier, the chief minister challenged the federal minister to provide evidence supporting his claims and warned of legal action if he failed to substantiate them.
“You are a federal minister. Don’t make allegations, present evidence,” Maryam had said.
She also linked Salik’s criticism to the appointment of the deputy commissioner in Gujrat, alleging that he was unhappy because an officer of his choice had not been posted to the district.
Salik subsequently stood by his remarks, maintaining that corruption was taking place in Punjab.
“I stand by my statement. Corruption is taking place in Punjab,” he said.
The federal minister also rejected Maryam’s assertion regarding the Gujrat deputy commissioner’s appointment, saying he had not sought the posting of any particular officer and that a deputy commissioner was already serving in the district.
