NAB Auctions Bahria Town Properties for Over Rs. 2.26 Billion in Landmark Move

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has recently taken a significant step in its long-running pursuit of accountability by announcing the auction of multiple properties belonging to Bahria Town, a real estate empire widely associated with business tycoon Malik Riaz. This move has drawn widespread public and media attention as it marks a bold action by NAB in a high-profile case that has spanned years.

Background: What’s the Case About?

The case stems from the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which the former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are also named. According to NAB’s investigation, Malik Riaz allegedly played a key role in a land deal involving the repatriation of £190 million from the UK. These funds were supposed to be deposited in the national treasury but were allegedly used for personal and institutional gains.

In connection to this, Bahria Town’s assets — including plots, apartments, and commercial properties — are now being seized and prepared for auction to recover the alleged losses to the national exchequer.

What Is Being Auctioned?

NAB has shared a public notice regarding the auction of:

• Residential plots
• Luxury apartments
• Commercial spaces
• Other immovable assets linked with Bahria Town

These properties are located in major cities including Islamabad, Karachi, and Rawalpindi — areas where Bahria Town has a strong real estate footprint.

This auction is not just a typical recovery procedure. It’s a bold and visible attempt by NAB to hold powerful figures accountable and show that no one is above the law — not even one of Pakistan’s most influential businessmen.

Why This Matters

This action sends a powerful message across Pakistan’s business and political landscape. It shows that even those with vast wealth and influence cannot escape accountability when wrongdoing is proven or suspected. For a country like Pakistan, where elite capture and corruption have historically weakened institutions, such developments can shift public trust — if carried out transparently.

At the same time, critics argue that while the optics are strong, results will matter more. Will the recovered money be used properly? Will the public actually benefit? And will NAB be consistent across the board with all accused elites?

Malik Riaz’s Silence

Interestingly, Malik Riaz has remained silent for the most part. Though he has made occasional statements denying wrongdoing, there’s been no strong public defense of the specific charges. His social media activity has also decreased, and he has been noticeably absent from public appearances.

For many observers, this silence is telling. It may either be a legal strategy — as his lawyers navigate court matters — or it could suggest the seriousness of the case.

Legal Loopholes or Real Justice?

Many experts argue that such high-profile cases often get entangled in legal loopholes. There’s skepticism about whether these properties will actually be auctioned off fairly or whether they’ll be halted by court injunctions. In past cases, recoveries have been claimed but not seen.

So far, NAB has assured that all procedures are being followed transparently and under court supervision. If that’s truly the case, this could become a landmark in NAB’s history — and a turning point in Pakistan’s fight against white-collar crime.

The Public Response

Social media is buzzing. Hashtags related to #MalikRiaz, #BahriaTownAuction, and #NAB have trended on Pakistani Twitter. People are divided — some calling this a political witch-hunt, others seeing it as long-overdue justice.

One thing is clear: this isn’t just a real estate matter — it’s a national moment.