Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that efforts are underway to create an “alternative political arrangement” in Punjab by discrediting the incumbent leadership amid the ongoing dispute between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Salik Hussain.
Speaking on a private television channel’s programme on Thursday, Asif was asked about his earlier remarks suggesting that Salik’s allegations against the Punjab government could be part of a broader political strategy aimed at undermining Maryam Nawaz’s administration and creating political space for himself in Punjab and at the federal level.
Asif claimed that Salik’s statements appeared to be part of an attempt to prepare the ground for a possible political change.
He maintained that allegations of corruption should not be directed exclusively at Punjab, arguing that corruption existed across the country. He added that he had repeatedly raised the issue through his social media posts.
“There is an attempt to create an alternative arrangement by discrediting the current leadership so that a new team can be introduced,” Asif said, adding that he was referring to those allegedly working behind the scenes.
The defence minister also pointed towards the involvement of certain wealthy individuals, whom he described as “carpetbaggers”, claiming they had been politically active over the past six to eight months in anticipation of a possible political crisis.
Asked whether the proposed alternative arrangement was limited to Punjab or extended nationwide, Asif clarified that it was not a countrywide initiative. He suggested that certain individuals were positioning themselves for a possible political shift, although he cautioned that the plan could eventually be abandoned.
Asif also suggested that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s reported close ties with the Chaudhry family could be a factor behind the political developments, particularly given the reportedly strained relationship between Naqvi and Maryam Nawaz.
He said the possibility could not be ruled out, adding that different political figures were pursuing their own interests and some might be hoping to become part of a new political group ahead of the next general elections.
Meanwhile, Salik Hussain confirmed in a post on social media platform X that he had received a legal notice from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and would submit his response soon.
“Transparency is never meant to exist behind closed doors,” Salik wrote.
His confirmation came a day after he had questioned the delivery of the legal notice while criticising the Punjab chief minister’s spokesperson in another social media post.
The controversy began after Salik, during a television interview on Monday, praised his uncle and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi while criticising the performance of the current provincial government led by Maryam Nawaz.
The PML-Q leader alleged that he frequently received complaints regarding corruption and questioned the provincial government’s spending, particularly its use of official aircraft.
He argued that public representatives should remain conscious of the country’s economic challenges and that officials using government aircraft should be required to demonstrate the practical benefits and outcomes of their trips.
Salik also called for stronger accountability mechanisms for ministers at both federal and provincial levels, suggesting that they should be given sufficient authority to perform their responsibilities while being held answerable for their performance.
His comments carry political significance amid divisions within the Chaudhry family over political alliances following the removal of former prime minister Imran Khan’s government through a no-confidence vote in 2022.
While Pervez Elahi and his son, former federal minister Moonis Elahi, aligned themselves with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the family of PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain maintained its association with the Sharif-led political camp.
Salik is the younger son of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, while his elder brother, Shafay Hussain, is a member of Maryam Nawaz’s provincial cabinet.
On Tuesday, Maryam Nawaz announced that she had issued a Rs5 billion defamation notice to Salik, demanding a retraction of his allegations.
She claimed that Salik’s criticism was not driven by concerns over corruption or development but by the recent transfer of the deputy commissioner of Gujrat. According to Maryam, Salik wanted an officer of his own choice appointed to the position.
In response, Salik maintained that he stood by his remarks, saying he had answered the questions honestly during the television interview.
