National-level investigation is needed into all Bahria Town projects and Malik Riaz’s assets. Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Asif said on Friday that Pakistan would actively pursue the extradition of property tycoon Malik Riaz, a co-accused in the £ 190 million graft case, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying the matter will be discussed at the government level.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that a national-level investigation is needed into all Bahria Town projects and Malik Riaz’s assets across the country. He emphasized that after 25 years, the state has finally taken action against Malik Riaz, and it is now difficult for him to escape. He warned that no one should assume they will receive relief if the circumstances change. He also mentioned that the 190 million-pound case is a major scam, and accountability will be ensured. According to him, there is a need to end the duplicity in journalism, politics, and the judiciary, as it prevents democracy from functioning in its true spirit.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Khawaja Asif pointed out that Malik Riaz, who once stated that he would never do business abroad, now proudly claims to have launched major projects in Dubai and prospered. The minister criticized the media’s involvement in this issue, saying the media had been complicit in Malik Riaz’s crimes. He highlighted the role of media owners who avoid criticizing businesspeople who provide them with business, while they often target politicians. He further stated that he had raised concerns about Malik Riaz’s activities as early as 1997, and although he was warned by a naval officer, the issues were never properly addressed.
The minister also pointed out that there have been illegal transactions in Bahria Town’s development across the country, involving the illegal occupation of lands belonging to orphans, widows, and the poor. He emphasized that it is no longer the time when Malik Riaz was untouchable. He stated that the government will not tolerate any illegal activities, and anyone involved in such activities will be pursued, regardless of their position.
Khawaja Asif further discussed the case of the alleged fake “Al-Qadir University,” criticizing it as a fraudulent institution. He questioned how money from the state was transferred into certain people’s accounts, particularly in relation to land given for the university’s supposed development. He noted that even though investigations were carried out on properties belonging to Hassan Nawaz, no illegal transactions were hidden.
In conclusion, Khawaja Asif asserted that no one should expect any relief or compromise in this matter. He stressed that the state’s actions against such mafia-like groups are crucial for the nation’s integrity, and there will be no tolerance for corruption or attempts to manipulate the government.