Islamabad (National Times) In a major development, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has frozen 457 properties across Pakistan, including assets tied to Malik Riaz’s son and Bahria Town Pvt Ltd. This move follows NAB’s ongoing investigation into the controversial £190 million Al Qadir Trust Case and alleged illegal land acquisition in Karachi’s Malir district.

The official order, dated June 19, confirms that the properties were frozen under Sections 12 and 34A of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999. The bureau suspects that government land — measuring 16,896 acres — was illegally usurped by Bahria Town officials in connivance with senior figures.

The freeze order includes five properties of Bahria Town located in DHA Rawalpindi, 18 in Islamabad, and two directly owned by Ahmed Ali Riaz. Additionally, Zain Malik, Malik Riaz’s son-in-law, is also named, with two of his properties frozen as part of the action.

The NAB stated that the freeze would remain effective for 15 days but could be extended based on court proceedings. The Supreme Court’s earlier ruling in 2019 SCMR 1106 allows such orders to remain valid until formally adjudicated.

Earlier this month, non-bailable arrest warrants were issued against Malik Riaz and his son in connection with the Bahria Town Karachi land corruption case. NAB’s reference names senior political figures, including PPP leaders and government officials, for allegedly aiding Bahria Town in acquiring and converting public land for private development.

The case continues to stir debate over unchecked real estate expansion and the growing nexus between powerful property developers and political elites.