Malik Riaz, 8 others declared absconders

The Anti-Corruption Court, Rawalpindi, on Monday declared Malik Riaz, the real estate tycoon, absconder along with eight others in a land corruption case. Anti-Corruption Court Judge Chaudhry Amir Muhammad Khan, while hearing a 1,400-kanal land corruption case filed in 2005, declared nine accused, including Malik Riaz, absconders and sought details of their personal land. The court issued arrest warrants for the accused twice and directed the police to produce them on July 23.
Meanwhile, Malik Riaz appeared before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of NAB on Monday. He was questioned about the details given by him in response to the JIT’s questionnaire given to him on the last hearing. Malik Riaz explained some commercial transactions, involving huge amounts, through which Arslan Iftikhar Chaudhry allegedly obtained undue financial benefits from Malik Riaz and Bahria Town. The NAB will deeply examine these transactions brought on record. Riaz again sought further one week for submitting documentary evidence to substantiate his contentions. The material and information received from various banks and financial institutions are being evaluated by financial experts and reports on various financial trails are being compiled.
The JIT has already initiated an exercise to look into money laundering aspect associated with the case. Notice to Arslan Iftikhar Chaudhry for personal appearance this week is also being issued. Dr Faqir Hussain is also being summoned in his private capacity.