Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced plans to pursue legal action against Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain over allegations of corruption in Punjab. She intends to issue a defamation notice seeking damages, challenging the minister to substantiate his claims with evidence.
Speaking at a laptop distribution and Honhaar merit scholarship ceremony at COMSATS University in Attock on Tuesday, Maryam responded strongly to Salik’s reported remarks about corruption in the provincial government.
She demanded evidence to support his allegations and warned of court proceedings if he failed to provide it.
“If Chaudhry Salik has evidence, he should bring it forward. Otherwise, I will drag him to court,” she said.
Maryam added that holding a federal ministerial position did not give anyone the right to make accusations without supporting evidence.
Maryam Questions Praise for Pervez Elahi’s Government
The Punjab chief minister also criticised Salik for reportedly describing former chief minister Pervez Elahi’s administration as the best in Punjab’s history.
Referring to her visit to Gujrat during heavy rainfall, Maryam recalled that her vehicle became submerged in floodwater. She questioned the previous administration’s performance, citing concerns about urban infrastructure and governance.
Furthermore, she challenged Salik’s stance on the provincial government, questioning why he continued serving as a minister if he considered the administration corrupt.
CM Defends Merit-Based Appointments in Punjab
Maryam also defended her government’s administrative decisions, emphasising merit over political recommendations and personal connections.
“I do not listen to anyone when it comes to making administrative decisions,” she said.
She argued that favouritism and politically influenced appointments weaken public institutions and ultimately harm citizens. Therefore, she maintained that merit-based recruitment remains essential for accountability, effective governance and better public services.
Laptop Scheme and Honhaar Scholarships for Students
During the Attock ceremony, Maryam praised students for achieving academic success despite limited resources. She said laptop distribution and Honhaar scholarships aim to prevent financial difficulties from disrupting education.
The chief minister pledged that deserving students would not lose educational opportunities because their families lacked financial resources. She also highlighted the importance of personal laptops, allowing students to complete assignments without depending entirely on institutional computer laboratories.
Additionally, Maryam directed Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat to address transport difficulties faced by students, particularly female students, at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET).
Punjab Announces Transport Initiatives and Development Projects
Maryam said the provincial government was providing free transport through its Green Bus service. It was also working to distribute 100,000 electric bikes, including pink bikes for female students and black bikes for male students.
She further highlighted efforts to improve women’s security, enabling them to travel independently without harassment or safety concerns.
Meanwhile, the chief minister inaugurated 59 road projects in Attock, with a combined development cost of Rs23 billion. She also inaugurated an Agri Mall, a Land Record Center, a Model Children Model Home and the Fateh Jang Special Education Centre.
The announcements combined a proposed legal response to political allegations with education, transport and infrastructure initiatives across Punjab.
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