LAHORE: Renowned investigative journalist and editor of The Pakistan Daily, Hamza Azhar Salam, has asserted that property tycoon Malik Riaz will be extradited to Pakistan to face justice.
Speaking at a press conference, Salam emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating, “No matter how powerful someone is, they must be held accountable.” He noted that previous governments had remained silent on Malik Riaz’s alleged misconduct, underscoring the need for accountability.
“Our duty is to speak the truth, and we bow only before Allah, not before Malik Riaz,” Salam remarked, reiterating the journalist’s commitment to uncovering corruption and malpractices.
Salam also called on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to exercise its authority in taking decisive action against corrupt elements.
Salam, during the press conference, highlighted that an agreement was made during Imran Khan’s tenure between the Asset Recovery Unit and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) concerning £190 million seized from Malik Riaz in a money laundering case.
According to Salam, the agreement stipulated that the recovered amount, being the rightful property of the state of Pakistan, would be returned to the state of Pakistan however the funds were instead transferred to the Supreme Court’s account, a move Salam described as both illegal and unconstitutional.
He clarified that the Supreme Court does not represent the state in such matters, a role reserved for the federal government and parliament.
The journalist accused Malik Riaz of exploiting the country’s resources and the wealth of its citizens while using his influence to suppress critical media coverage. “The media hesitated to even mention his name,” Salam said, adding that Riaz openly threatened individuals to silence dissent. Salam challenged Riaz to publicly name those he allegedly benefited or paid.
“Pakistan’s people have the right to know about those who looted their resources,” Salam asserted.
Salam also revealed that Malik Riaz’s red warrants might be issued soon, potentially restricting his travel, including to the United Kingdom. He pointed out that Riaz, despite being embroiled in controversies, has continued to expand his ventures, including the launch of Bahria Town Dubai. Salam questioned the credibility of an international investor entangled in such disputes within their own country.
He reiterated that the £190 million belonged to the state of Pakistan and had been unlawfully transferred to the Supreme Court’s account during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
Criticizing the misuse of state institutions by land mafias, Salam emphasized the need for systemic reforms and strict accountability. He disclosed that he had posed several queries to the NCA, particularly regarding the nature of its agreement with Malik Riaz. Salam dismissed claims that the £190 million was appropriately allocated as “intellectual dishonesty.”
The investigative journalist concluded by emphasizing the importance of transparency and justice, urging authorities to prioritize the interests of the Pakistani people over the influence of powerful individuals.
