LAHORE, Jan 13: The PML-N claimed here on Tuesday that the federal government had issued a notice to Capt Muhammad Safdar (retired) to explain why his services should not be terminated for his permanent absence from duty.

Capt Safdar (retired) is a son-in-law of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and he was deported to Saudi Arabia along with the Sharif family in 2000.

In a statement issued here, Mr Nawaz Sharif's former political secretary Mushtaq Ali Tahirkheli claimed that he had been informed by Mr Safdar about the issuance of the notice by the establishment division, asking him to appear before the chief executive of Pakistan within 15 days to show cause.

Mr Tahirkheli did not, however, produce a copy of the notice and said on telephone that he would obtain it from Mr Safdar on Wednesday. He said Mr Safdar wanted to know who was chief executive -- President Musharraf or Prime Minister Jamali. He quoted him as saying the real chief executive was Mr Rafiq Tarrar because he was still was president according to the the 1973 Constitution.

Mr Safdar has also maintained that he and his family were forcibly sent abroad, Mr Tahirkheli claimed. Mr Safdar was last posted as Lahore Model Town assistant commissioner and the Punjab government authorities concerned expressed their ignorance about any move by the provincial government to sack him.