Salik tells Maryam not to play ‘woman card’

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain has advised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz not to use the “woman card” in politics, intensifying an ongoing public dispute over allegations of corruption and governance in Punjab.

Speaking on a television programme on Wednesday, Salik said political leaders should respond to criticism on its merits rather than bring gender into political disagreements. He also described Maryam’s earlier remarks about him as inappropriate for someone holding public office.

The federal minister maintained that his earlier allegations of corruption in Punjab were based on facts and refused to withdraw his statement. He insisted that corruption had not declined following his remarks but had instead become more visible.

“Corruption has not ended after my statement; it has become more visible,” he said.

Salik argued that the provincial government should have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption from the beginning. He also suggested that Maryam should seek advice from her father, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, on how to respond when someone highlights shortcomings in government performance.

The minister further alleged that there had previously been an attempt to remove his father, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, from the presidency of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). He also disclosed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had not contacted him over the controversy.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah questioned the federal minister’s remarks, saying he was an honourable person but might have been influenced by claims circulating among people in his social circle.

Rana suggested that Salik might have heard allegations about corruption and alleged preparations of official files during private gatherings. He said making such claims without evidence was inappropriate, particularly for a federal minister whose brother also serves in the Punjab cabinet.

He also defended Maryam’s response, describing it as courageous and suggesting that her confidence reflected her belief in her position.

However, Rana acknowledged that corruption had not been completely eliminated at the lower levels of government. He pointed to possible irregularities involving police station officials, patwaris and clerical staff, while maintaining that Maryam had never claimed to have eradicated corruption entirely.

Commenting on allegations raised by Mahmood Qadir Leghari, Rana said those making accusations should provide evidence instead of making public statements. He added that action would be taken against the relevant officials if credible evidence emerged.

The controversy began when Salik publicly criticised the Punjab government’s performance and alleged widespread corruption in the province during an interview with a private television channel.

He praised his paternal uncle and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, describing him as the best chief executive the province had seen.

Salik also alleged that political considerations were influencing development priorities, claiming that a disproportionate share of Punjab’s development funds was being allocated to Lahore while other districts were being neglected.

He further claimed that reports of corruption were so widespread that related files could fill entire cupboards. Although he acknowledged that he did not possess documentary evidence to support the allegations, he maintained that corruption was taking place.

Maryam subsequently announced legal action against the federal minister and challenged him to provide evidence to substantiate his claims. She also questioned why he continued serving in a government he had described as corrupt.

The chief minister linked the dispute to the appointment of the deputy commissioner in Gujrat, suggesting that Salik was unhappy because an officer of his choice had not been appointed. Salik rejected the allegation, saying his interview had been recorded weeks before the appointment issue arose.

Maryam later served a Rs5 billion defamation notice on Salik, a news anchor and the chairman of a television channel. She demanded a retraction, an unconditional apology and damages, accusing them of making and broadcasting unsubstantiated allegations that harmed her reputation and that of the provincial administration.

Salik has refused to withdraw his remarks and said he would defend his position through the appropriate legal process.

The dispute has also placed the political position of Salik’s brother, Shafay Hussain, under scrutiny. Shafay, who serves in Maryam’s provincial cabinet, previously expressed support for his younger brother and said he would not distance himself from his independent political views.

Both brothers belong to the PML-Q, led by their father Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. However, the family’s political alignments have diverged, with Chaudhry Pervez Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi aligning with the PTI, while Salik and Shafay have remained politically aligned with the Sharif-led camp.