ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced on Friday that the government will take legal measures to bring Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz back to Pakistan from the UAE.
Addressing a press conference, he emphasized that no one is above the law and warned that all elements challenging the state’s writ will face justice.
Asif stated that Pakistan is engaging UAE authorities for Riaz’s extradition under the Extradition Treaty, as the tycoon has been declared an absconder by the courts. This comes after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cautioned the public against investing in Riaz’s real estate project in Dubai, while also seeking his extradition as part of its ongoing investigations.
The NAB’s warning followed the conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which Malik Riaz and his son Ali Riaz are co-accused and proclaimed offenders. The government has indicated ongoing consultations to ensure accountability for all involved in the case.
Asif alleged irregularities in Bahria Town’s land acquisition process, citing legal flaws and a lack of transparency in transactions. He further claimed that proceeds from the £190 million case were returned to Bahria Town, which compensated the PTI-led government by donating 438 acres of land to the Al-Qadir University Trust—land that he alleged was illegally acquired.
The minister reiterated that Malik Riaz will face accountability under the law, stressing that neither the judicial system nor political influence will shield him. He assured that cases will be registered against Riaz and all legal processes will be pursued without compromise.
