LAHORE – Political tensions in Punjab intensified after police withdrew additional Elite Force security from Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, amid his escalating clash with CM Maryam Nawaz over explosive corruption allegations and a controversial legal notice.
The provincial police withdrew additional Elite Force security from Federal Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Salik Hussain, amid his escalating confrontation with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz over allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the province.
The development comes as the federal minister continues to publicly challenge the Punjab government’s performance, refusing to back down from his controversial statements despite receiving a legal notice from the chief minister.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain confirmed that Punjab Police had recalled the Elite Force personnel assigned to his security detail. According to the minister, the additional personnel had been deployed last year following security concerns. However, the provincial authorities have now withdrawn the arrangement.
Punjab Police sources maintained that the decision was consistent with the province’s security policy rather than an individual restriction targeting the minister.
Officials explained that federal ministers would continue to receive appropriate security while travelling or staying within Punjab, but Elite Force personnel would not be deployed to protect them beyond provincial boundaries. The timing of the withdrawal, however, has drawn attention because of the ongoing political disagreement between Chaudhry Salik Hussain and the Punjab government.
There has been no official confirmation that the security decision was connected to the minister’s criticism of Maryam Nawaz’s administration.
The federal minister has intensified his criticism of the provincial administration, accusing it of widespread financial irregularities, administrative failures and questionable handling of public development projects.
The controversy took another turn after Chaudhry Salik Hussain confirmed receiving a legal notice from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Rather than softening his position, the PML-Q leader dismissed the notice as “childish” and declared that he remained committed to his earlier statements.
He said his legal team was preparing a detailed response and that the allegations raised in the notice would be addressed through the appropriate legal process. “I received the legal notice yesterday. We are preparing the draft and will submit a comprehensive response,” he said.
