ISLAMABAD, August 5, 2025 –
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced its decision to auction off several prime real estate properties belonging to real estate magnate Malik Riaz, the founder of Bahria Town, as part of its ongoing crackdown on corruption and recovery of ill-gotten wealth.
According to official sources, the properties in question are located in multiple Bahria Town projects, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Islamabad. The auction is part of efforts to recover billions of rupees linked to corruption and plea bargain settlements that remain unpaid by Malik Riaz and his associates.
The auction is being carried out under the supervision of NAB and in compliance with court orders related to various accountability cases. A formal notice of the auction process, including property details, reserve prices, and bidding procedures, is expected to be published in major newspapers and on NAB’s website in the coming days.
NAB officials stated that the auction will be transparent and open to the public, with priority given to ensuring that the proceeds are directed toward public funds and settlement of outstanding liabilities.
The anti-graft body has been pursuing Malik Riaz and his businesses over allegations of land encroachment, misuse of authority, and money laundering, with several cases still under investigation or pending in courts. One of the most high-profile settlements was the £190 million agreement with UK authorities in 2019, where the recovered funds were repatriated to Pakistan, but questions remain over their use and full recovery.
Legal analysts believe this latest auction move signals a shift in NAB’s enforcement strategy – from slow-moving investigations to more visible and enforceable recovery actions.
Public interest in the case has surged, especially given Bahria Town’s long-standing position as one of the largest private housing schemes in the country. Critics argue that powerful individuals have long evaded accountability, but this auction could signal the beginning of a more aggressive phase in Pakistan’s anti-corruption efforts.
Despite repeated denials of wrongdoing, Malik Riaz has remained a controversial figure in Pakistan’s business landscape, often accused of using political influence to expand his real estate empire.
Meanwhile, NAB reiterated its commitment to ensuring no one is above the law, stating that this action would not only recover public wealth but also serve as a deterrent for others involved in white-collar crime.
Further details on the auction schedule, list of assets, and legal requirements for bidders will be announced shortly.
