Federal minister Salik Hussain stands by corruption remarks about Punjab

FederalMinister Chaudhry Salik Hussain has stood by his statements on corruption in Punjab and said he was speaking the truth.

Salik said he had prayed to God to protect him from arrogance and stressed that corruption was taking place in Punjab. He denied the demand to appoint a deputy commissioner and said the officer has already been appointed.

People should remain humble when given power, he said, adding that the issue had nothing to do with 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. As a federal minister, she said, he should provide evidence, not press charges.

Maryam also questioned Salik’s praise for former Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi’s government, recalling that her vehicle was submerged in water during her visit to Gujarat during the rains. She asked why Salik remained in the government if he believed it was corrupt. Maryam said that she appointed officers in Punjab on merit and that appointments based on recommendations were detrimental to the state and its people.