The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) issued a stern public advisory Monday regarding multiple fraud and deception cases against Malik Riaz Ahmed, the owner of Bahria Town, and his associates.
According to the official statement, NAB has filed several references in Accountability Courts in Islamabad and Karachi, where all accused have been summoned to appear. The bureau claims to possess “irrefutable evidence” against Malik Riaz and his associates for illegally occupying both government and private lands in Karachi, Takht Pari Rawalpindi, and New Murree under the Bahria Town name.
“These individuals have established housing societies without proper permissions and defrauded citizens of billions of rupees,” the NAB statement detailed.
The anti-corruption watchdog has recently escalated enforcement actions, sealing numerous Bahria Town commercial and residential properties across Karachi, Lahore, Takht Pari, New Murree/Golf City, and Islamabad. This includes several multi-story commercial buildings. Additionally, hundreds of bank accounts and vehicles belonging to Bahria Town have been frozen, with NAB promising that “further actions in this regard are being carried out rapidly.”
The bureau emphasized that it will continue legal proceedings against Bahria Town “without any delay or pressure” to protect Pakistani citizens’ rights.
NAB also revealed that Malik Riaz Ahmed, currently residing in Dubai as a court absconder in the National Crime Agency (NCA) case, has launched a new luxury apartment project there. The bureau claims to have evidence that certain individuals from Pakistan are “criminally aiding” Malik Riaz by transferring funds to Dubai for investment in this project.
“Since NAB has strong evidence of money laundering against Malik Riaz Ahmed and his associates, these funds have been sent to foreign countries through illegal means,” the statement noted. “Any funds transferred from Pakistan for this project will be considered money laundering, and legal action will be taken against the involved elements without discrimination.”
The bureau urged the public to exercise caution and avoid “any attractive inducements from Bahria Town” to protect their savings. NAB also disclosed that it has initiated “vigorous efforts” in collaboration with other government agencies to bring the fugitive accused back to Pakistan to face justice.
