KARACHI – The high-profile land corruption case continues to remain in headlines as as the Accountability Court in Karachi escalated legal action against real estate magnate Malik Riaz, who fled Pakistan, in Bahria Town land allotment scandal.
Facing growing list of legal troubles, Malik Riaz and with son Ali Riaz and son-in-law Zain Malik failed to appear before the court despite being summoned multiple times. Now, the court has resorted to publishing summons in newspapers, demanding their appearance by July 15 Tuesday.
The court also issued non-bailable arrest warrants, signaling zero-tolerance stance on their continued defiance.
The case stems from allegations of illegal allotment of massive tracts of government land to Bahria Town Karachi project, which investigators say involved serious violations of public trust and land laws. Director General of NAB Karachi already moved to confiscate properties tied to accused, with Special Prosecutor for NAB submitting the matter to court for confirmation.
Malik Riaz left Pakistan amid the legal heat, raising fresh questions about accountability, enforcement, and elite privilege. “This is not just a routine corruption case as it involves billions in public land and powerful individuals avoiding justice”.
Malik Riaz’s exit from homeland sparked public outrage on social media, as critics question how one of Pakistan’s most influential figures managed to leave despite being under investigation in multiple cases.
‘Malik Riaz Deal With Pak Govt’
Earlier, it was reported that Malik Riaz will return to Pakistan around mid-July, Abdullah Gul, son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul said, claiming that figures close to Riaz, including Haji Amjad Mehmood Chaudhry and Shahid Qureshi, helped secure a reported understanding with top political leaders.
Riaz has remained abroad since former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s conviction in the Qadir Trust case, and has repeatedly refused to testify in related NAB investigations. Reports suggest the alleged deal was facilitated by key political figures.
Upon his return, Bahria Town owner is expected to stay at Bilawal House under Sindh government protection before possibly traveling to Islamabad.
