Malik Riaz, the outspoken founder of Bahria Town, has taken a bold stance against blackmail and pressure, vowing to stay unwavering despite mounting challenges. In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Riaz declared, “No matter how much injustice is done, Malik Riaz will not testify. This was my decision yesterday, and it remains today.”
His remarks follow a warning from Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) about potential money laundering risks linked to his latest venture, BT Properties in Dubai. Riaz dismissed NAB’s concerns as baseless blackmail and pointed to the persistent obstacles, government pressure, and legal battles he faced while building Bahria Town in Pakistan. He credited his success to relentless determination and divine support, emphasizing his vision to transform Pakistan’s real estate sector through world-class projects.
Riaz revealed that continued demands for testimony on specific matters eventually forced him to relocate abroad. Despite these setbacks, he shared his pride in BT Properties, which has already drawn significant global investor interest. Praising Dubai’s business-friendly environment under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Riaz contrasted it with the restrictive practices of NAB, which he claimed stifle progress in Pakistan.
Calling NAB’s actions a form of blackmail, Riaz issued a veiled warning: “I am holding my ground, but I carry a storm in my heart. If it breaks, all the secrets of the last 25 to 30 years will come to light with irrefutable evidence.” He expressed confidence that BT Properties would succeed internationally and enhance Pakistan’s global reputation.
Reaffirming his loyalty to Pakistan, Riaz assured that all his ventures comply with the laws of the countries they operate in. He concluded by stating he would not be used as a tool against anyone nor bow to blackmail, believing his Dubai project would strengthen Pakistan’s image on the world stage.
Meanwhile, NAB has announced plans to engage with Dubai authorities to prevent any unlawful activities tied to Bahria Town’s Dubai project.