Passports of Malik Riaz, associates cancelled in 190m pounds case

Islamabad: The Ministry of Interior has taken action against the absconding accused in the 190 million-pound scandal case, following a recommendation from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Passports of four key figures—Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz, his son Ali Riaz, former PM advisor Shehzad Akbar, and Farah Shahzadi—have been cancelled. The decision comes after NAB's formal request on January 28.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has taken steps to bring Malik Riaz, the chairman of Bahria Town, and his son, Ali Riaz, back from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). NAB officials have contacted UAE authorities to begin the extradition process, as part of efforts related to the 190 million-pound corruption case.

A source close to the matter revealed that, under international anti-money laundering laws and the Vienna Convention, the UAE is expected to deport Malik Riaz. NAB has been working to extradite the real estate tycoon, who has been difficult to reach due to his influence.

In response to claims made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the sources clarified that British authorities had indeed accused Malik Riaz of corruption in the 190 million-pound case. Referring to a 2021 ruling by the Royal Court of Justice, they confirmed that the UK court upheld the Home Office’s conclusion that Malik Riaz and his son were involved in corruption and mismanagement of finances related to Bahria Town.

Bahria Town, a major real estate company owned by Malik Riaz and his family, is one of the largest property developers in Asia. In November 2021, the Royal Court of Justice rejected an appeal by Malik Riaz and confirmed that both he and his son were involved in illegal activities tied to the company’s operations.

The UK Home Office took action by canceling the visas of Malik Riaz and his son after reviewing investigations conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The UK authorities based their decision on evidence from several sources, including investigations into Bahria Town’s financial dealings, the Supreme Court’s decisions on related cases, and a report by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) regarding the company’s fake accounts.

Earlier this month, NAB issued a statement warning the public not to invest in Bahria Town Dubai, a company operated by Malik Riaz in the UAE. NAB announced its intention to bring Malik Riaz back to Pakistan and continue its efforts to hold him accountable for his alleged involvement in corruption and financial mismanagement.

The decision to cancel the passports of Malik Riaz, his son Ali Riaz, former Prime Minister’s advisor Shehzad Akbar, and Farah Shahzadi was made by the Ministry of Interior, following a recommendation from NAB. The Ministry of Interior officially canceled their passports after NAB’s request on January 28.

NAB’s efforts to bring Malik Riaz and his family back to Pakistan have sparked ongoing legal and political discussions. The latest developments indicate that the accountability process is progressing both internationally and domestically as part of ongoing efforts to investigate corruption linked to Bahria Town.