Islamabad, Pakistan – The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is set to conduct a public auction of several immovable properties belonging to Bahria Town (Pvt.) Ltd. on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The auction, scheduled to commence at 11:00 AM at NAB’s Regional Office near Lal Masjid, Islamabad, is being held for the recovery of a defaulted plea bargain amount under Section 33-E of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts by accountability watchdogs to recover funds in high-profile corruption cases involving the prominent real estate developer and its chairman, Malik Riaz, who is an absconder in various inquiries.
Properties on the Auction Block:
The properties slated for auction include key commercial and recreational assets of Bahria Town in Rawalpindi and Islamabad:
- Bahria Town Corporate Office (Plot No. 7-E, Park Road, Phase 2, Rawalpindi)
- Bahria Town Corporate Office II (Plot No. 7-D, Park Road, Phase 2, Rawalpindi)
- Robesh Market and Lawn (Bahria Garden City near the Golf Course, Bahria Town, Islamabad)
- Arena Cinema (Plot No. 984, Board A, Bahria Town Phase 4, Rawalpindi)
- Safari Club (Plot No. 27, Safari Villas One, Bahria Town Rawalpindi)
- Bahria Town International Academy (School building, Jasmine and Silver Oaks Road, Safari Villas 2, Bahria Town Rawalpindi) – Note: While some reports mention this specific property, others list six properties without specifically naming the school. The overall number of properties is consistent.
NAB has announced that a briefing for interested buyers will be arranged two days prior to the auction at its Regional Office, providing potential bidders with relevant information.
Background: Plea Bargain Defaults and Ongoing Investigations
The auction stems from a defaulted plea bargain agreement, a legal mechanism where an accused confesses to a crime and agrees to return money in exchange for a lighter punishment. This particular auction is part of broader accountability efforts against Malik Riaz and his associates.
NAB has been actively pursuing multiple corruption references against Bahria Town and its owner. Earlier this year, in February, NAB filed references against Malik Riaz, former Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, and others for alleged illegal land transfers. Additionally, two corruption references were filed concerning the unlawful acquisition of 4,500 kanals of state land in Rawalpindi’s New Murree and Takht Pari forest areas.
In March 2025, NAB also announced the sealing of numerous commercial and residential properties of Bahria Town across Karachi, Lahore, Takht Pari, New Murree/Golf City, and Islamabad, while also freezing hundreds of bank accounts and seizing vehicles linked to the entity due to ongoing fraud investigations. A Rawalpindi Accountability Court had also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Malik Riaz and his son, Ali Ahmed Malik, in the Takht Pari reference.
Clarification: NAB vs. FBR Actions
It is important to clarify that while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) recently secured a significant legal victory, recovering Rs26.446 billion in a long-pending tax case against Bahria Town (as upheld by the Islamabad High Court), this specific auction on June 12 is being conducted by NAB under its anti-corruption mandate and not by FBR for tax recovery. Both actions, however, underscore the intensified efforts by government agencies to address alleged financial irregularities and recover dues from large corporate entities.
NAB has consistently warned the public against investing in Bahria Town’s international projects, including its Dubai venture, due to ongoing high-level probes and potential legal repercussions under anti-money laundering laws. Efforts to extradite Malik Riaz and his son are also underway.
The upcoming auction on June 12 will be a closely watched event, reflecting the government’s commitment to accountability and the recovery of public funds in high-profile cases.
