Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain has sharply criticised Punjab’s administration, saying accounts of corruption reach him daily, although he has no evidence. He suggested that the records of such corruption could fill cupboards rather than individual files.
In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Hussain questioned the distribution of provincial resources, criticised lavish official spending and called for ministers to receive the authority needed to deliver results. He also endorsed Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh’s criticism of the system, describing it as truthful.
Corruption claims and unequal allocations
“I do not have evidence, but I hear stories of corruption in Punjab every day. There, it must not be files but cupboards that have filled up with corruption records.”
Chaudhry Salik Hussain
Hussain alleged that Punjab’s entire budget goes to Lahore, leaving its subsequent allocation to the discretion of those in charge. He claimed that districts where government candidates had won received everything, while districts where they had not won were left deprived.
Asked about creating new provinces, he compared surrendering a larger domain to leaving a palace for a much smaller home. His response questioned whether anyone would willingly make that move.
Official aircraft and spending under scrutiny
The minister urged restraint over aircraft use and lavish expenditure, saying decisions should reflect the country’s circumstances. He argued that official travel should be assessed by what it achieves.
- Aircraft should not be used for personal purposes.
- Those travelling on official business should explain on their return what the visit achieved.
Authority first, accountability for results
Turning to bureaucracy, Hussain said unnecessary obstacles had been built into the system. He alleged that some people were pursuing someone else’s agenda and obstructing national development, and urged institutions to identify them.
He compared the position of ministers without adequate authority to people being told to run with their hands and feet tied, then being questioned for failing to move. His proposed remedy was to empower ministers before holding them responsible for results.
Praise for Parvez Elahi
Hussain described former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi as the best person to hold the office within his recollection. He credited Elahi with improving Punjab and said work was carried out for everyone without discrimination.
He also said Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain had played a major role in securing Parvez Elahi’s release.
