Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain advised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday not to play the “woman card” in politics. Speaking on the Geo News programme "Capital Talk", Hussain stated, “If you are in politics, then do not play the woman card.” He characterized the chief minister's remarks regarding him as inappropriate for a public official and claimed she issued those statements because of misinformation.
Hussain maintained that he would not withdraw his previous statements regarding corruption in Punjab, insisting his claims were "based on facts." He stated, “I will never withdraw my statement because it is the truth.” The minister argued that there should have been zero tolerance for corruption from the first day, noting that since his statement, corruption has not ended but has instead "come out more openly." He further suggested that the Punjab CM should seek guidance from her father on how to respond when someone points out an issue.
Hussain also alleged that there was a previous attempt to remove his father, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, from the presidency of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). Regarding the ongoing controversy, he stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had not contacted him.
Responding to the situation, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah described Hussain as a “gentleman” and an honourable man, but suggested he may have been influenced by theories circulating in his social circles. Rana stated that it was inappropriate for a federal minister, whose brother also serves as a provincial minister, to suggest that files were being prepared against people, noting that such claims are made in every era without evidence.
Rana defended the Punjab CM’s response as courageous, stating his conscience tells him only someone speaking the truth can respond with such confidence. He noted that while no one can claim corruption at the grassroots level has been completely eliminated, the Punjab CM never claimed it had been eradicated.
Rana also addressed allegations made by Mahmood Qadir Leghari, describing them as an attempt to gain attention. He stated that Leghari should provide evidence regarding allegations against a deed writer and the DPO, adding that action would be taken if evidence is produced. He warned that such claims could influence people like Hussain to repeat similar allegations.
The dispute began after Hussain criticized the Punjab government's governance and alleged widespread corruption during a private television channel interview. During that interview, Hussain praised his paternal uncle, former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, as the best chief executive Punjab had ever had. He alleged that political considerations were influencing development priorities, claiming that a disproportionate share of the budget was being channeled toward Lahore.
Hussain admitted he did not possess documentary evidence to substantiate the claims but maintained that corruption was taking place, stating he regularly heard accounts of it and that there were so many alleged corruption-related files they could fill entire cupboards.
In response, Maryam Nawaz announced legal action against Hussain, challenging him to produce evidence or face proceedings. She questioned why he remained in a government he considered corrupt and linked the controversy to the appointment of the deputy commissioner in Gujrat, alleging he was unhappy that an officer of his choice was not appointed. Hussain rejected this, stating the interview was recorded weeks earlier.
Maryam Nawaz subsequently served a Rs5 billion defamation notice on Hussain, a news anchor, and a television channel's chairman, demanding a retraction, an unconditional apology, and damages for broadcasting unsubstantiated allegations. Hussain stated he will respond through the appropriate legal process.
The controversy involves the brothers Hussain and Shafay, who both belong to the PML-Q led by their father, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. While their uncle Chaudhry Pervez Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi aligned with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Hussain and Shafay have remained aligned with the Sharif-led political camp. Shafay previously stated he stands by his younger brother and would not distance himself from him.
