FIA uncovers money laundering network at Bahria Town, claims Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has claimed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has seized “irrefutable evidence” of a sophisticated money laundering network allegedly operated by Bahria Town and its founder, Malik Riaz.

In a video message, Tarar said that a raid conducted by the FIA led to the discovery of documents detailing transactions worth Rs1.12 billion.

According to the minister, investigators found that a front office was being run out of Safari Hospital, a Bahria Town facility. The hospital’s ambulances were allegedly used to transport cash and sensitive documents to conceal the illicit activities. During the raid, hospital staff reportedly attempted to burn records, but a significant portion of the evidence was recovered, he added.

Tarar said the recovered documents link key Bahria Town officials — including the chief financial officer and director of finance — to a “hundi-hawala” network allegedly operated by two individuals identified as Imran and Qaiser.

He described the operation as a “mega corruption scandal” through which funds were illicitly transferred abroad, causing substantial damage to the national economy.

A Bahria Town official, Colonel Khalil, is currently in custody, while the FIA is pursuing other suspects who have gone into hiding, he added.

Tarar urged the remaining suspects to surrender, stressing that the government has gathered compelling evidence against them. He also assured the public that the investigation targets only those directly involved in money laundering and would not affect the rights of Bahria Town residents.

This development comes amid ongoing legal troubles for business tycoon Malik Riaz, who has already been declared an absconder in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

 The auction process of Bahria Town founder Malik Riaz’s properties has begun at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi office, sources confirmed on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) set August 7, 2025, as the date for auctioning several properties belonging to Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz.

According to sources, Bahria Town Corporate Office II, Plot No. D-7, has been sold for Rs 880.6 million, while Rubish Marquee and Lawn fetched Rs 508.3 million.

The process of auctioning other properties is still ongoing, NAB sources added.