ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, a team from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), accompanied by Rawalpindi police, raided the offices of Bahria Town in Rawalpindi, according to officials familiar with the incident.
While there was no official statement from NAB or other authorities, some officials within the accountability bureau confirmed the raid anonymously.
NAB spokesperson Birj Lal claimed ignorance of the raid, stating, “The raid might have been conducted by NAB Rawalpindi, but I cannot confirm it.”
Another source indicated that the purpose of the raid was to seize records related to the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Malik Riaz, the owner of Bahria Town, and his son Ali Malik, currently in the UAE, have been declared proclaimed offenders in the Al-Qadir Trust case by an accountability court.
Following the raid, Riaz posted a CCTV video on X (formerly Twitter) showing several men in plainclothes searching through office shelves and drawers. However, the footage’s authenticity, specifically if it was from Bahria Town offices, could not be confirmed. Riaz reiterated on social media that he would not become an “approver” despite facing “oppression.”
In a subsequent tweet, he claimed the “raid lasted for hours” and that nine of his employees were taken, along with office records and vehicles. He also alleged that numerous Bahria Town properties and accounts were seized last month, urging the government to release his staff and return the “seized equipment.”
Last week, Riaz made a cryptic social media post about facing “pressure” to take a political side and enduring financial losses, but he vowed not to be used as a “pawn for political motives.” This statement was unusual for Riaz, known for his extensive connections with political parties, the media, and the country’s civil and military establishments.
Riaz has a controversial history, with accusations of using questionable land acquisition tactics for his luxury real estate projects. His firm has also been involved in multiple court cases, including a recent Supreme Court order to pay the Sindh government for land acquisition for Bahria Town Karachi.
