Maryam Aurangzeb demands apology from Chaudhry Salik

Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has demanded an apology from Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his remarks about corruption in Punjab, saying that he should apologise if he has no evidence to support his allegations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Maryam Aurangzeb said Chaudhry Salik had himself acknowledged that he did not possess evidence to substantiate his corruption-related allegations. She said decency, justice and adherence to principles required him to apologise for making claims without proof.

The Punjab senior minister urged those holding public offices to fulfil their responsibilities instead of making statements about eliminating corruption and promoting good governance. She said officials who were unable to deliver on these responsibilities should step down from their ministerial positions.

Maryam Aurangzeb further said the provincial government would not tolerate what she described as false and baseless allegations against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who had set an example of public service.

She claimed Punjab was the only province where the chief minister herself was leading a campaign against corruption. She maintained that the provincial government was committed to improving governance and eliminating corrupt practices.

Separately, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sent a legal notice to Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his remarks about corruption in Punjab.

Responding to the development, Chaudhry Salik said he stood by his statement but had not yet received the legal notice. He said he would give a strong response once the notice was formally delivered.

The federal minister also pointed out that Maryam Nawaz herself had acknowledged the presence of corruption in Punjab two days earlier.

The controversy intensified after Chaudhry Salik made remarks about corruption in the province. On Tuesday, Maryam Nawaz announced that she would take legal action against him and send a legal notice over his comments.

The exchange has triggered a political dispute between the provincial leadership and the federal minister, with both sides maintaining their positions over the corruption allegations.