Malik Riaz and the Bahria Town Money-Laundering Case

Introduction

Malik Riaz Hussain, the billionaire founder of Bahria Town, is at the center of one of Pakistan’s largest ongoing money-laundering and corruption probes. What began as scattered allegations about land deals has now evolved into a complex network of investigations involving the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and international authorities. The case spans multiple provinces, overseas projects, and billions of rupees in allegedly illicit funds.

--ackground: The Rise of Bahria Town

Bahria Town, once hailed as a symbol of modern urban development, is Pakistan’s largest private real estate enterprise. Malik Riaz built his fortune through large-scale housing schemes, often marketed as luxury living communities. However, critics and investigators allege that many of these projects were made possible through questionable land acquisitions, political connections, and offshore financial arrangements.

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The £190 Million Settlement and the Absconder Status

In a landmark case, Malik Riaz was implicated in a £190 million corruption and money-laundering settlement with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). The funds were allegedly linked to the Al-Qadir Trust scandal and frozen assets in the United Kingdom.

Absconder Declaration: Pakistani courts have declared Riaz an absconder after he failed to appear in hearings.

Passport Block: Authorities have blocked his passport, along with those of his son Ali Riaz and other associates, to prevent international travel.

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NAB Investigations: Illegal Land Transfers

NAB has launched multiple inquiries into Bahria Town for unlawfully acquiring and developing public and private lands across:

Karachi

Rawalpindi & Islamabad

Lahore

Peshawar

Murree and other locations

One high-profile case involved the illegal transfer of 204 kanals of cooperative society land in Lahore, which was later ordered to be restored to its original owners.

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The Dubai Project Controversy

The launch of Bahria Town’s Dubai project raised red flags for Pakistani investigators. NAB publicly warned citizens against investing, claiming that the project could serve as a front for money-laundering. This has deepened suspicions that Bahria Town’s overseas expansions may be linked to the transfer of illicit funds abroad.

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The Safari Hospital Raid: A Turning Point

In August 2025, the FIA raided Safari Hospital in Rawalpindi and uncovered a trove of documents allegedly proving that Rs 1.12 billion had been laundered through Bahria Town operations.

Staff members were caught attempting to burn financial records.

Key suspects include Bahria Town’s Chief Financial Officer, Shahid Qureshi, and members of a Hawala-Hundi network.

Recovered documents suggest the use of front companies and fake transactions to disguise the origin of funds.

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Nationwide Asset Seizures

As part of the crackdown:

Multiple Bahria Town properties have been sealed.

Bank accounts and vehicles linked to the company and its leadership have been frozen.

Cooperative society lands and private plots obtained through dubious means have been reclaimed by authorities.

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Summary Timeline

Date / Period Key Event

Late 2024 UK NCA case surfaces; £190m settlement linked to Al-Qadir Trust

Early 2025 Riaz declared absconder; passport blocked

Q1–Q2 2025 NAB seals properties; recovers illegally transferred lands

August 2025 FIA raid uncovers Rs 1.12 billion laundering evidence

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Conclusion

The Malik Riaz Bahria Town money-laundering case is more than just a legal battle—it is a test of Pakistan’s ability to hold influential business figures accountable. With cross-border elements, billions at stake, and a vast network of alleged accomplices, the case is expected to shape the future of real estate regulation, anti-corruption enforcement, and political accountability in the country.