ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain has stood by his remarks about corruption in Punjab, saying he spoke truthfully.
Salik said he prayed to God to protect him from arrogance and stressed that corruption was taking place in Punjab. He denied asking for a deputy commissioner’s appointment, saying the officer was already posted.
He said people should remain humble when given authority and added that the matter was not related to provincial boundaries.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that she will send a damages notice to Salik over his allegations.
Speaking at an event in Attock, Maryam challenged Salik to present evidence, warning that she would take him to court if he failed to do so. She said that as a federal minister, he should provide proof rather than make allegations.
Maryam also questioned Salik’s praise for the government of former Punjab chief minister Parvez Elahi, recalling that her vehicle had been submerged in water during a visit to Gujrat in the rain.
She asked why Salik remained part of the government if he believed it was corrupt. Maryam said she appointed officers in Punjab on merit and that appointments based on recommendations harmed the country and its people.
