ISLAMABAD: Confusion persisted on Monday over whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence was up for auction in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference.

An auction notice issued by the Assistant Commissioner Secretariat listed properties, including land in Mauza Mohra Noor and Mauza Bhara Kahu, measuring over 650 kanals, to be sold under NAB’s supervision. The auction was to be held at the Bhara Kahu Union Council, with interested bidders required to submit a Rs 5 million pay order in NAB’s name.

However, no participants had turned up by the scheduled time. Sources later clarified that Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence was not part of the properties being auctioned.

NAB auctions Malik Riaz’s properties worth billions

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja expressed surprise at the reports, terming the development a “covert move” if true. He said the party’s legal team was verifying facts, adding that the Bani Gala management was unaware of any such proceedings.

The auction, related to the Al-Qadir Trust case, targeted properties of absconding suspects. Officials, including Assistant Commissioner Uzair Ali Khan and NAB staff, reached the Patwar office two hours late, but bidding had yet to begin by the latest reports.

Bahria Town residents’ properties are safe, says NAB

SC REJECTS BAHRIA TOWN’S PLEA FOR STAY ORDER

The Supreme Court has rejected Bahria Town’s plea for a stay order on the auction of its properties.

The court directed that copies of references against Malik Riaz and Bahria Town be submitted. Justice Aminuddin remarked that a one-sided stay could not be granted and the decision would be taken after hearing the other party. The hearing on the main and miscellaneous petitions will take place on August 13.

Earlier, on August 5, the Islamabad High Court had announced its reserved verdict on petitions against the auction of Bahria Town’s properties. The court dismissed the requests to halt the auction and allowed NAB to proceed with the sale.

It may be noted that NAB Rawalpindi has issued a statement regarding the auction of six commercial properties of Bahria Town, confirming that three out of six have already been sold.