- Chaudhry Salik Hussain has sent a written reply to the legal notice, according to sources.
- Maryam Nawaz's notice seeks Rs5 billion in damages over his remarks on alleged corruption in Punjab.
- The notice calls the remarks baseless, unverified and defamatory, and says no evidence was offered.
- The broadcaster that aired the interview and its reporter have also received legal notices.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain has submitted a written reply to the legal notice served on him by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, according to sources. The notice seeks Rs5 billion in damages over his comments about alleged corruption in Punjab.
Sources say the minister has formally sent his response.
What the legal notice says
The notice was sent on behalf of the chief minister by her lawyer. It accuses the federal minister of making baseless and misleading allegations against the Punjab government.
It also states that Chaudhry Salik Hussain gave no evidence to support what he said. In the notice's words, the remarks were baseless, unverified and defamatory.
The notice adds that the interview did not point to any documented incident, investigation or formal complaint that could back up the claims.
The remarks at the centre of the dispute
According to the notice, the comments were made in an exclusive interview. Chaudhry Salik reportedly said he frequently heard reports of corruption in Punjab.
The notice also says he remarked that there must be cupboards full of corruption files in Punjab rather than just files.
Broadcaster and reporter also served
The legal action is not limited to the federal minister. The channel that aired the interview and the reporter who conducted it have also received legal notices over the broadcast.
Amount sought
Rs5 billion is the sum sought in damages.
Questions and answers
How much is Maryam Nawaz seeking in damages?
The legal notice seeks Rs5 billion in damages from Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain over his remarks about alleged corruption in Punjab.
Why was the legal notice issued?
The notice says Chaudhry Salik Hussain made baseless, unverified and defamatory allegations against the Punjab government in an interview, without citing any documented incident, investigation or formal complaint.
Has Chaudhry Salik Hussain responded?
Yes. According to sources, he has formally sent a written reply to the notice.
