The legal and political drama surrounding Pakistani property tycoon Malik Riaz and his son intensified dramatically on January 21, 2025, as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) announced its decision to seek the business magnate’s extradition from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case. The move comes in the wake of escalating tensions over allegations involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his spouse Bushra Bibi, and the trust’s murky dealings. In response, Malik Riaz issued a defiant statement, accusing the NAB of blackmail and reiterating his refusal to testify, raising questions about the fate of one of Pakistan’s most contentious corruption scandals.
The Al-Qadir Trust case, which has dominated Pakistan’s headlines in recent months, revolves around allegations of corruption and misuse of authority during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister. Malik Riaz, his son, and several others are accused of facilitating dubious transactions that allegedly benefited Khan’s government, the Sharif family, and other key players. Tarar recalled the NAB’s press release, quoting the accountability watchdog as saying it had concrete evidence in those inquiries. Noting that Riaz and his son had been declared absconders, Tarar stressed that if they both could have defended themselves before the courts, they would have done so in the Al-Qadir Trust case and other inquiries. “They (Riaz and his son) should face the courts, and present their defence, which they have failed to do so far,” he added.
A court in Rawalpindi convicted former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Al-Qadir Trust case on January 20, 2025. Khan received a 14-year prison sentence, while Bibi was sentenced to seven years. In its verdict, the court also ordered the federal government — led by CM Maryam’s uncle Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — to take control of the Khan-founded university. The NAB, bolstered by the convictions, has since intensified its pursuit of Malik Riaz and his son, both of whom have been declared proclaimed offenders. As the NAB continues to tighten its grip, the government has formally reached out to UAE authorities to secure their extradition.
In a fiery statement posted on his X account on January 20, 2025, Malik Riaz accused the NAB of launching a “new demand for blackmail” against him. “This was my decision yesterday and this is my decision today: no matter how much you oppress me, Malik Riaz will not testify!” the tycoon declared. He further claimed that he possesses critical evidence spanning the past 25 to 30 years, hinting at the potential repercussions of disclosing such information.
Riaz’s refusal to cooperate has amplified public and political scrutiny. Critics argue that his non-compliance only deepens suspicions of wrongdoing, while supporters frame his stance as a resistance to political victimization. Meanwhile, the NAB has dismissed his allegations of blackmail, maintaining that its actions are rooted in transparency and accountability.
The roots of the Al-Qadir Trust controversy trace back to Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister. Established ostensibly for educational and charitable purposes, the trust became a focal point of scrutiny when reports surfaced of its involvement in questionable property transactions. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) accepted an offer of a staggering £190 million from the family of property tycoon and businessman Malik Riaz after a month-long investigation into property and accounts connected to them. The settlement included a UK property, namely 1 Hyde Park Place, London, W2 2LH, valued at approximately £50 million as well as funds in the frozen UK bank accounts of Mr. Riaz’s family.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Minister of State on Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar, in his statement, also made reference to Hasan Nawaz, son of former prime minister and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, as being “the previous owner of the property.” Imran Khan’s government’s alleged role in facilitating these transactions has been a central theme of the investigation. Documents presented by the NAB suggest that high-level officials may have colluded with Malik Riaz and his son to orchestrate the deals, circumventing regulatory oversight. These allegations have fueled opposition claims that Khan’s administration prioritized personal and political gains over public welfare.
On January 21, 2025, NAB Chairman Nazir Ahmed Butt reiterated the bureau’s commitment to holding all accused individuals accountable. “We are working tirelessly to ensure justice prevails,” Butt said in a press conference. He emphasized that the bureau’s decision to pursue Malik Riaz’s extradition reflects its dedication to rooting out corruption, regardless of the influence or stature of the individuals involved. The NAB accused Zulfi Bukhari, a close aide of Khan, of accepting 458 kanals of land following the cabinet’s approval of the settlement. The land was later transferred to the Al-Qadir Trust, which is now registered under the names of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and Farhat Shehzadi.
The NAB’s position has received mixed reactions. While government officials have lauded its efforts, opposition leaders and members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have accused the bureau of selectively targeting political adversaries.
PTI leaders criticized the NAB’s actions as a “witch hunt” aimed at discrediting the party’s leadership. PTI has announced its intention to appeal the verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case in the high court, as reported by Dawn. PTI’s Central Information Secretary, Sheikh Waqqas Akram, emphasized that the party will promptly file the appeal, aiming to overturn what they deem an unjust decision and rectify this “grave miscarriage of justice.”
Opposition leaders, particularly from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have seized upon the Al-Qadir Trust case to underscore their long-standing criticisms of Imran Khan and his allies. “The evidence speaks for itself,” PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said on January 15, 2025. “This is not just about corruption; it’s about betraying the trust of the Pakistani people.” Maryam’s remarks echo broader sentiments within the PML-N, which has consistently accused Khan’s government of financial mismanagement and ethical lapses. The party has urged the NAB to expedite its investigation and ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice.
As the Al-Qadir Trust case continues to unfold, its implications extend far beyond the individuals directly involved. The controversy has reignited debates about the role of accountability institutions in Pakistan, the influence of political power on legal proceedings, and the broader challenges of combating corruption in the country. For Malik Riaz and his son, the prospect of extradition looms large. If UAE authorities comply with the Pakistani government’s request, the tycoon and his son could face trial in a case that has already captured national attention. However, the outcome remains uncertain, particularly given Riaz’s extensive resources and political connections.
The case also poses significant risks for Imran Khan and his PTI party. While Khan’s conviction marks a major blow to his political career, the broader allegations against his government threaten to erode public trust in the party. As opposition leaders continue to capitalize on the scandal, the PTI faces an uphill battle to rebuild its credibility. Additionally, Judge Nasir Javed Rana’s controversial past has cast a long shadow over the verdict. In 2004, the Supreme Court of Pakistan removed him from judicial duties, declaring him unfit for service following findings of judicial misconduct in an illegal remand case. The matter was referred to the Lahore High Court for further disciplinary action, leading to suspensions and bans for other implicated officials.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
