Salik defies Maryam’s defamation claim over corruption remarks

ISLAMABAD: Defying a Rs 5 billion defamation claim by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Tuesday doubled down on his corruption allegations against Punjab, declaring that he stood by his remarks and had no intention of backing down.

Talking to reporters, the minister maintained that corruption was taking place in the province and said he had no reason to withdraw his remarks.

The war of words escalated after Maryam Nawaz slapped the minister with a Rs 5 billion damages claim over his allegations of corruption against her Punjab administration, raising the stakes in an increasingly bitter political and legal showdown.

Dismissing claims that he had sought the appointment of a deputy commissioner (DC), Hussain clarified that the officer was already posted when the matter arose. “There was no question of getting a DC appointed. The DC was already posted,” he said.

The minister also appeared to take a swipe at those wielding authority, urging public office-holders to shun arrogance and remain humble.

“When a person is given authority, he should remain humble. May Allah protect us from pride and arrogance,” he remarked.

Reaffirming his position, he said he had answered honestly and remained convinced that corruption was taking place in Punjab.

He further stressed that the issues he had raised should not be viewed through the prism of provincial affiliations, arguing that they had nothing to do with provincial boundaries.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026