Islamabad – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that prominent businessman Malik Riaz will face accountability for the legal cases against him, asserting that neither the judiciary nor political influence can shield him from justice.
This statement follows the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) warning against investing in Riaz’s new Dubai venture and its pursuit of his extradition from the UAE.
The government’s focus on Riaz coincides with the conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife in the Al-Qadir Trust case, where Riaz and his son are co-accused. Efforts are underway to extradite Riaz and other absconders.
During a press conference, Minister Asif stated, “If anyone believes there will be a compromise or relief for Malik Riaz, they are mistaken. Neither our judicial system nor any political force can afford to provide him relief.” He emphasized that the extradition treaty between Pakistan and the UAE will facilitate the legal process to ensure Riaz faces consequences for alleged offenses, including illegal land acquisitions and unauthorized real estate projects.
The minister called for a national-level investigation into the financial dealings of Riaz and his Bahria Town projects over the past three decades. He criticized Riaz’s alleged undue influence over media outlets and institutions, stating, “The majority of media outlets cannot hold these individuals accountable. Even mentioning their names is forbidden, highlighting the scale of influence and investment to suppress scrutiny.” Asif underscored that the state is finally addressing Riaz’s unchecked activities after decades.
In response, Malik Riaz, in a series of posts on social media, denied the allegations, terming them “a new demand for blackmail.” He stated, “No matter how much you oppress me, Malik Riaz will not testify! Malik Riaz will neither be used against anyone nor blackmailed,” reaffirming his commitment to his Dubai project. Riaz attributed his move abroad to years of blackmail, fake cases, and pressure, but refused to be a “political pawn.”
The NAB reference against Imran Khan alleges that the PTI government approved a secret deal in 2019 to return £190 million seized by the UK’s National Crime Agency to Malik Riaz, bypassing legal protocols. In exchange, Riaz allegedly transferred vast amounts of land to Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and close aides.
According to the reference, Riaz’s son granted 240 kanals of land to Farhat Shahzadi, while Zulfi Bukhari, a close aide to Imran Khan, received land under a trust allegedly non-existent at the time. Bukhari has alleged that he was offered lucrative deals to testify against Imran Khan but refused.
The renewed focus on Malik Riaz signals a broader government initiative to address high-profile cases of alleged corruption and misuse of power. The outcome of these legal proceedings could set a significant precedent for accountability in Pakistan’s political and business landscape.