Maryam Nawaz Defamation Notice: PKR 5 Billion

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz defamation notice to Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain. It seeks withdrawal of his allegations of widespread corruption in Punjab and payment of PKR 5 billion in damages for remarks she called defamatory.

Maryam Nawaz Defamation Notice Demands Retraction

The notice has also been sent to ARY News anchor Naeem Ashraf Butt and ARY Chairman Muhammad Iqbal through Additional Advocate General Punjab Ch Muhammad Nawaz. This concerns an interview broadcast on 2 November 2026 in which the minister is quoted as saying that he had no evidence but heard stories of corruption every day.

Legal Requirements And Time Limits

A federal minister must act responsibly when making allegations against another constitutional government and cannot turn hearsay into apparent fact, the notice argues. The complaint states that responsible journalism demanded the host establish a factual basis before broadcasting such serious accusations.

The recipients have seven days to withdraw the allegations, offer an unconditional apology of equal prominence, and remove or correct the disputed sections. They also have to keep original footage, audio and broadcast records. Non-compliance will invite proceedings under the Punjab Defamation Act, 2024. However, the notice recognises the freedom of expression and public representatives’ right to question the performance of the government.

Presentation Of Governance Record

Speaking at the Honhaar Scholarship ceremony at COMSATS University in Attock, the chief minister, speaking to a laptop, challenged her critics to bring evidence. Distribution of laptops and scholarships is based on merit without political affiliation or recommendation, she said. An electric bike scheme for students will be launched soon, she added.

She referred to the construction of 850 kilometres of roads in Attock, loans for 250,000 houses, 300 Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence and 200,000 workers in the Suthra Punjab program. She said a retired subedar built his house with a loan of PKR 1.5 million. These allegations form part of the government’s case in consonance with earlier initiatives like the electric taxi scheme, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme and the plan against polio and dengue.

There has been a long-standing public debate on the chief minister’s actions, including questions about her visit to China and the viral clip when Naseem Shah addressed her as “queen”. Resolving disputes in courts and through evidence is a sign of a mature democratic culture, and a clear legal process will allow both sides to make their case.