Government to Extradite Malik Riaz from UAE in £190m Corruption and Land Scandal
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- January 24, 2025
- 1:04 pm
- 50
- Current Affairs
Malik Riaz, a well-known real estate tycoon, is under investigation for alleged corruption. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) plans to request his extradition from the UAE. The case involves £190 million returned to Pakistan by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust scandal. NAB has declared Mr. Riaz an absconder and is working to bring him back through legal means.
Allegations Against Malik Riaz
NAB accuses Malik Riaz of illegal activities, including:
- Occupying government and private land.
- Using unlawful means to develop Bahria Town projects.
- Violating rules by starting projects without regulatory approvals or no-objection certificates (NOCs).
The bureau has frozen several of his assets and claims these projects were built on fraudulently acquired land in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and New Murree.
NAB Issues Warnings About Bahria Town Dubai
Malik Riaz recently launched a new project, Bahria Town Dubai. NAB warns the public against investing in it. The bureau says these investments might be tied to money laundering, exposing investors to legal risks.
NAB also revealed that Mr. Riaz is expanding to other cities like Peshawar and Jamshoro. However, the bureau claims these projects involve the same illegal practices. It says the lands lack clear ownership and violate legal regulations.
The Al-Qadir Trust Scandal
The Al-Qadir Trust case has drawn attention to Malik Riaz and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. NAB alleges that the cabinet approved a deal in 2019 to return £190 million to Malik Riaz. In return, he allegedly gave valuable land to Imran Khan and his associates.
NAB calls this a major case of public fraud. It says Mr. Riaz used deceptive methods to secure land deals worth billions. The investigation is ongoing, and it involves prominent figures and their close associates.
Challenges in Extradition
The UAE and Pakistan have an extradition treaty. However, extraditing Mr. Riaz may not be easy. The process could face delays due to international legal issues and political influence.
NAB has not confirmed whether red warrants or Interpol involvement will be required. However, the bureau remains determined to bring Malik Riaz to justice.
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