The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched a major crackdown on Bahria Town’s residential and commercial projects across Karachi, Lahore, New Murree, Takht Pari, and Islamabad, sealing multiple properties.

According to a BBC report, NAB has issued a warning advising citizens to avoid new investments in Bahria Town due to ongoing legal proceedings.

The move has sparked fears among property owners, who worry that their investments might get entangled in legal complications.

Court proceedings and summons

The Rawalpindi Accountability Court held an initial hearing in the Bahria Town case.

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The court had issued a summons for Malik Riaz, his son Ali Riaz, and former Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Elahi, but none of them appeared. Judge Akmal Khan adjourned the hearing until March 20.

NAB’s intensified actions

According to the report, NAB is working with other government agencies to bring back fugitive suspects linked to the case. Malik Riaz is already declared an absconder in the £190 million scandal.

In Rawalpindi’s Bahria Town Phase 8, the district administration has posted government seizure notices on various properties, including Plot No. 1351 and House No. 1440.

Officials stated that these areas were previously part of Takht Pari’s forest land. The notices warn that any unauthorised activity will face legal action.

Bahria Town’s response

Bahria Town’s spokesperson, Colonel (Retd) Khalilur Rehman, expressed concerns over NAB’s actions, stating that the administration has not been given clear reasons for the crackdown. He criticised the one-sided approach and highlighted that while the case is still in court, NAB’s actions are complicating matters.

He also revealed that Bahria Town has not received full details of the properties sealed and is uncertain about further possible seizures. The next court hearing on March 20 is expected to clarify the situation.

NAB’s allegations

NAB’s official statement accuses Malik Riaz and his associates of illegal land acquisitions in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and New Murree.

The watchdog has filed multiple corruption references against Bahria Town, alleging fraud, deceit, and unlawful housing schemes.

Asset seizures and freezing of accounts

NAB has reportedly frozen hundreds of Bahria Town’s bank accounts and seized multiple vehicles. More legal actions are underway to protect citizens’ interests.

Public advisory

Authorities have urged the public to avoid investing in any new Bahria Town projects, warning that ongoing legal actions could put their investments at risk.

Experts call for investor protection

Real estate analyst Ahsan Malik, speaking to BBC, questioned the authorities’ approach. He argued that innocent buyers should not suffer due to the illegal actions of developers.

Experts suggest that the government should devise a mechanism to safeguard Bahria Town investors and ensure that essential services like electricity and water remain available to thousands of residents.