CJP Yahya Afridi refuses to hear Bahria Town properties auction case

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has refused to preside over Bahria Town properties auction case. The CJP has sent the case back to the old bench.

“It would be appropriate for the old bench to hear this case,” CJP Afridi said. Bahria Town’s lawyer said that the detailed verdict of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has already been announced, adding that he will submit additional objections on the detailed IHC verdict related to business tycoon Malik Riaz, who established the Bahria Town empire in Pakistan.

Also read: Bahria Town residents’ properties are safe, says NAB

The court allowed the submission of additional objections, and then postponed the hearing indefinitely.

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

Yesterday, the Supreme Court had changed the bench for the hearing of the Bahria Town case. As per details, a three-member bench headed by CJP Afridi was established including Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Shafi Siddiqui.

Previously, the case was being heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, and comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

Also read: Bahria Town deadlock: Impact on investors, residents

On Monday, Bahria Town counsel had submitted additional documents in the case, which included auction advertisement and charge sheet. Copies of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references were also submitted along with the documents. During the previous hearing, the counsel had requested to be allowed submission of documents along with the request to terminate plea bargain.

Earlier this month, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) seized crucial Bahria Town records hidden in a private charity hospital, intensifying the probe into financial irregularities carried on by Malik Riaz. The recovered materials include computer servers, digital data, and evidence linked to Bahria Town projects and other businesses. Authorities alleged that the documents were concealed in a hospital guestroom and transported via ambulance to avoid detection during raids.

Read more: Major breakthrough in Bahria Town money laundering case

This case is part of the £190 million scandal linking Malik Riaz to PTI founder Imran Khan, who, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, has been convicted in the matter. Separately, PTI’s attempt at nationwide protests for Imran’s release fell flat, while the Election Commission disqualified nine PTI lawmakers over their May 9 convictions.

Riaz also took to Facebook to share how the real estate operations across the country had been severely paralysed. He made a final appeal for a chance to return to serious dialogue and a dignified resolution with a full participation in any arbitration process and implement its decision 100 per cent: “My dear Pakistani brothers and sisters, I regret to inform you that due to the unprecedented pressure exerted by government agencies over the past few months — including the arrest of dozens of staff members, freezing of all company bank accounts, seizure of staff vehicles, and other stringent measures — Bahria Town’s operations nationwide have been brought to a standstill,” he wrote.

PROPERTY PRICES TAKE A HIT

Since the legal proceedings began, Bahria Town’s property market experienced a significant decline and prices for plots and investments files have dropped sharply. This has been largely driven by rumours and fears related to the ongoing investigation and property auctions. NAB urged the public to ignore misinformation.

NAB, however, has assured Bahria Town residents and property owners that their assets are completely secure. In a statement, the organisation dismissed rumours as a conspiracy by certain elements to depress property prices. It clarified that residents and owners are among the victims of fraud, and their rights will be fully protected. Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar also stressed that action is aimed solely at Bahria Town’s financial offenders, not residents. NAB vowed to continue proceedings without pressure until all misappropriated funds are recovered and urged the public to ignore misleading or malicious claims.