ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik’s recent corruption allegations against the Punjab government are part of an effort to pave the way for an “alternative arrangement”.

In an appearance on ARY News, Mr Asif was asked about his earlier suggestion that Mr Salik’s allegations could be part of a political agenda to target Maryam Nawaz’s government and secure space for himself in Punjab and at the Centre.

Mr Asif alleged that the remarks were aimed at “setting the stage for some post-period”, adding that corruption existed across Pakistan.

“There is an attempt to create an alternative arrangement — to discredit incumbent people so that a fresh team can be presented,” he said, adding that he could only share his personal assessment.

Defence minister says graft remarks aimed at paving way for ‘alternative arrangement’ in Punjab; alleges ‘carpetbaggers’ actively anticipating ‘political crisis’

He also referred to “some wealthy people”, describing them as “carpetbaggers” who had been active for the past six to eight months in anticipation of a “political crisis”.

Asked whether the proposed arrangement concerned Punjab or the entire country, Mr Asif said some individuals were positioning themselves behind the plan, but it was not a nationwide development. He added that the plan could eventually be abandoned.

Mr Asif was also asked whether the strong reaction from the Punjab CM House to Mr Salik’s allegations was linked to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s reported close ties with the Chaudhry family, given his reportedly strained relationship with Maryam. He said this could be a factor, adding that some politicians believed they might join a new group after two years, when elections were due.

Meanwhile, Mr Salik said in a post on X that he had received a legal notice from CM Maryam and would respond soon.

“Transparency is never meant to exist behind closed doors,” he wrote.

A day earlier, Mr Salik had said he had not received the notice while taking a jibe at Maryam’s spokesperson.

During a talk show on a private TV channel on Monday, the PML-Q leader praised his uncle and ex-chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, and criticised the incumbent provincial administration, headed by Maryam Nawaz, alleging that he regularly heard complaints of corruption.

He also questioned lavish government spending, particularly the use of an official aircraft, arguing that public representatives should remain mindful of the country’s economic difficulties. He said officials using government aircraft should be required to demonstrate the tangible outcomes and public benefits of their trips.

He also called for greater ministerial accountability, proposing that federal and provincial ministers should be empowered to perform their duties while also being held accountable for their performance.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2026