Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sent a Rs5 billion defamation notice to federal minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his allegations of large-scale corruption in the province, demanding an unconditional apology within 14 days.
The notice, served through her counsel, accuses Hussain of making “baseless and politically motivated” claims during a television appearance, where he alleged kickbacks in development schemes. It warns of civil and criminal proceedings if he fails to retract.
Salik Hussain, a PML-Q leader and cabinet colleague, has not yet formally responded, though party aides said he “stands by his words” and would contest any legal action.
The clash has exposed rare public friction within the ruling coalition, with opposition figures seizing on the spat as evidence of infighting. PML-N leaders dismissed that reading, insisting the chief minister was “duty-bound” to defend her reputation.
Legal experts say defamation suits by public office-holders face a high bar in Pakistani courts, but the notice itself signals how seriously the Punjab government is taking the allegation.
Sources:
Express Tribune — https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638489/maryam-sends-rs5bn-defamation-notice-to-salik-hussain
Dawn — https://www.dawn.com/news/1954231/maryam-nawaz-sends-defamation-notice-to-salik-hussain
Geo News — https://www.geo.tv/latest/612456-maryam-nawaz-rs5bn-defamation-notice-salik-hussain
Express Tribune — https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638455/salik-hussain-alleges-corruption-in-punjab
