The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi has intensified its scrutiny of Bahria Town, with the number of inquiries and investigations now reaching 14. The cases focus on alleged fraudulent allotments, illegal land deals, money laundering, and violations of construction and labor laws involving the real estate giant.
According to NAB, thousands of acres of land were allegedly allotted to Bahria Town through bogus entries and alterations in official records, particularly in Jamshoro. In Malir district, the bureau is investigating the alleged illegal exchange and adjustment of more than 17,000 acres of government land. Another inquiry involves the purchase of 527 kanals in Murree, reportedly funded by income earned through Bahria Town Karachi.
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Investigators are also examining allegations of money laundering, illegal land allotment worth Rs6 billion in 2015 sold for just Rs383 million, and non-possession of booked plots within the promised timelines. Other cases include public fraud, non-payment of EOBI dues to employees, and illegal alignment of land originally meant for the K-IV water project. The construction of unauthorized buildings in Bahria Town Karachi, allegedly in violation of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) regulations, is also under investigation.
Prominent individuals named in the inquiries include Bahria Town’s founder Malik Riaz, his son, Ahmed Ali Riaz, Zain Malik, and other family members. Former Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, deputy commissioners, and various Bahria Town officials have also been implicated. Officials from the Board of Revenue, SBCA, EOBI, Water Board, and Land Utilisation Department, along with estate agents, builders, and developers from Malir and Hyderabad Development Authorities, are among those under scrutiny.
Separately, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Commercial Bank Circle Karachi carried out successful operations against illegal hawala hundi networks. Two suspects, Muhammad Ashfaq and Muhammad Yameen, were arrested from Liaquat National Hospital and Sharafabad. Authorities recovered Rs7.2 million in cash, three mobile phones, and evidence linked to the illegal money transfer business.
The FIA confirmed that both suspects failed to provide a legal explanation for the recovered currency and have been taken into custody. Raids are ongoing to arrest their accomplices as investigations continue.
