Started by Adnan Darwash, Jan 13 2011 11:41 AM
Posted 13 January 2011 - 11:41 AM
Symbiosis between money and politics undermines democracy
Someone has once stated “It is easier for a man to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven”. But what if the Rich man controls the banks, the media the legislators, the judiciary and centres of decision making? The worst case scanario is manifested by Italian Prime Minister (PM) Silvio Berlusconi. He bribed late PM Benito Craxi, to gain control of state owned monopolies including four TV channels. After becoming Italian PM for the second time, Berlusconi succeeded in passing laws delaying any investigation accusing him of illegal activities while he remains occupying the post of PM.
In America, it is a must for big corporations and financial institutions, including crooks like Bernie Madoff and Rotstein, to contribute to the election funds of US politicians and legislators. During the thirties, the Italian Mafias did put law enforcement officers and Judges on their payroll. At one time, thirty US senators owed their seats to the mafia. But when too many complaints filed against certain illegal practices by names likes Al-Capone, Colombo, Luciano and Genovese the Americans started to cry wolf until the mafia activities became ‘legal’.
In the US today, a new group of untouchables with names like Goldberg, Goldstein, Goldsmith, Silverstein, Spielberg, Bloomberg and Greenberg…etc are in control of the financial institutions, the media and Washington D.C Politics. A good example is Mike Bloomberg. He made $9billion working for Goldman Sachs, established his own media corporation and went to become the mayor of New York in the hope of becoming the next US President. Because of the heavy influence of the Jewish money in US politics, no-one in his right mind can criticise Israel or have an honest and open dialogue about the pro-Israeli US foreign policy.
The same American Rich men have started to invest heavily on politics in West and East Europe. In recognition for the Jewish contribution, British PM Margaret Thatcher appointed five Jewish Cabinet Ministers in her first cabinet: Nigel Lawson, Keith Joseph, Leon Brittan, Lord Young, and George Younger. All have worked to rip off the United Kingdom by privatising the state monopolies to the benefit of their friend and allies. As an example, Lord Young privatised the communication firms, left the government and got himself a $5 million job with Cable and wireless.
The same US Rich men worked to rip off the Russian state monopolies that ended up in the hands of mostly Jewish Oligarchs.
In trying to clarify the role of US money in British politics, Tony Blair promised during the election campaign to open up the books. But later on, he changed his mind after becoming the PM and after his party treasurer, Jewish Lord Levi, showed him the extent of US money involvement in his party donations.
It was not a mere coincidence that Tony Blair has joined G.W. Bush in marching on Baghdad to Israeli drums.
The bad Rich men are ruining the world by launching wars, supporting autocrats, promoting corruption, carrying out dirty works and conspiring to silence or to assassinate their foes; through their control of the mighty United States of America.
Adnan Darwash, Iraq Occupation Times
Symbiosis: Politicians need Bankers to win seats. Similarly, Bankers need politicians in order to use Tax payer money to pay for their losses.
Real estate tycoon returns home; aides say he will defend himself.
By Irfan Ghauri
Published: June 12, 2012
Asked if he will be defending allegations, attributed to him, against the chief justice’s son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar, Malik Riaz said: “Everything will be (clear) in court tomorrow.” PHOTO: AGENCIES
ISLAMABAD:
The alleged repository of all ‘evidence’ in the case involving the chief justice’s son and a real-estate tycoon has arrived in Pakistan, and will appear before the Supreme Court on Tuesday (today).
“I am in Pakistan now and will be appearing before the court in person,” former Bahria Town chairman Malik Riaz told The Express Tribune via telephone after arriving in Karachi on Monday.
Malik’s private aircraft landed at Karachi airport Monday evening, and the real-estate tycoon stayed there for some time before leaving for Islamabad. There is no confirmation if Malik met anyone during his brief stay in Karachi.
Asked if he will be defending allegations, attributed to him, against the chief justice’s son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar, Malik said: “Everything will be (clear) in court tomorrow.”
A close associate, however, added that Malik would “certainly defend” his case and bring substantial evidence against Arsalan.
Last chance
Earlier on Monday, a two-judge bench of the apex court offered Malik the last chance to appear before the court on Tuesday or submit his concise statement.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja told Malik’s counsel, Zahid Bokhari, that in case of failure to submit a concise statement, the court will proceed on the basis of available material.
Justice Khilji Arif Hussain also admonished Bokhari and instructed him to comply with court orders.
Bokhari has already proposed that an independent commission be formed to investigate the matter. He had suggested that the matter could be referred to a commission, like the one formed for Memogate scandal, for thorough investigations.
At this stage, however, he did not press for the formation of a commission, and said that his client can request for this in the future.
Later, he told reporters that his client would be arriving with “explosive evidence” against Dr Arsalan.
Mysterious arrival, departure
Malik’s arrival in Karachi, instead of Islamabad, is as shrouded in mystery as his departure from the country.
His personal staff officer had claimed that Malik left the country for ‘treatment’ two days before the court took suo motu notice of the case.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) record, however, a Beechcraft B-114 aircraft marked ‘Bahria Town 001’ took off from Lahore and landed in Karachi at 1pm on June 6.
A Federal Investigation Agency official, who approached the aircraft to check immigration stamps of the people onboard, was informed that there were two persons on the private aircraft and they did not need the exit stamp.
Meanwhile, before its landing, three high-profile officials were already present at the airport’s apron area but sources were not able to confirm if they held a meeting with the persons onboard the private aircraft or were simply there to facilitate their departure without documentation.
CAA officials, on condition of anonymity, said the plane had Malik Riaz on board and left for Dubai at 1:50pm.
The same plane returned to Karachi on June 8, but Malik was not onboard the aircraft, which left again for Dubai on Tuesday to bring him back.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2012.
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Analysis: Arsalan’s Heel
How a medical doctor unemployed as recently as 2008, landed himself with a net worth of Rs900 million is the question.
By Zahid F Ebrahim
Published: June 13, 2012
How a trained medical doctor of modest financial background, unemployed as recently as 2008, landed himself with a net worth of Rs900 million is a question which we cannot wish away. PHOTO: MYRA IQBAL/EXPRESS
Public confidence in the judiciary is under threat. Public confidence in the superior courts is the foundation of any society sought to be established on the basis of rule of law. Malik Riaz and Arsalan Iftikhar have both, albeit with different motives, shaken such foundation to its very core.
The charges levelled against Arsalan Iftikhar, at least to the extent of enjoying extravagant hospitality of the Bahria Town magnate seem difficult to now deny. How a trained medical doctor of modest financial background, unemployed as recently as 2008, landed himself with a net worth of Rs900 million is a question which we cannot wish away. The devastating pain such knowledge must cause his family is unimaginable.
However, there is a much larger danger. Arsalan’s bleeding heel is being malevolently used to damage Pakistan’s judiciary.
Malik Riaz, who travelled back to Pakistan against his doctor’s advice did not appear the least unfit in his boisterous press conference. In sharp contrast to the statement filed in court a few hours earlier where he hailed the integrity of the Supreme Court, Malik Riaz, launched a frontal attack on Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in his press conference. The allegations do not require repetition here – it will fill the spaces of many newspaper columns – but the purpose and the consequence requires understanding.
Not unlike General Musharraf’s predicament in 2007, Justice Chaudhry is perceived as a threat which is likely to cut short the political career of Prime Minister Gilani. Last month’s conviction of Premier Gilani for contempt will inevitably lead to his disqualification from not only the current office but also from the next general election. President Zardari’s grievance against Justice Chaudhry is no secret. Chaudhry Shujaat is unlikely to have forgotten the humiliation of seeing his nephew behind bars in the NICL scam nor Rehman Malik the embarrassment of being compelled to renounce his British citizenship. Grievances within the ruling coalition are legendary. However, these are mere conjecture and there is no evidence, thus far, of a larger conspiracy.
Malik Riaz has had his press conference but has no intention to hold his peace. He has promised to repeat this scandal show in the coming days. Spare a thought here for the chief justice and other judges of the Supreme Court who can hold no press conference but only speak through their judgments.
“Achilles in Greek mythology was a baby and it was foretold that he would die in battle. To prevent his death, his mother Thetis took Achilles to the River Styx which was supposed to offer powers of invincibility and dipped his body into the water. But as Thetis held Achilles by the heel, his heel was not washed over by the water of the magical river. Achilles grew up to be a man of war who survived many great battles. But one day, a poisonous arrow shot at him was lodged in his heel, killing him shortly after. Still, Achilles is remembered as one of the greatest fighters who ever lived.”
Malik Riaz’s press conference is a poisonous arrow aimed at the heart of the Supreme Court. Irrespective of the failings of Arsalan, we cannot let the Supreme Court bleed. This may not be the greatest Supreme Court which ever lived, but it certainly does not deserve to be maligned by the indiscretion of one lone individual.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2012.
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Mubashir Lucman suspended for 'off-air' comments: Report
An inquiry will allegedly be initiated against those who leaked the video.
By Web Desk
Published: June 14, 2012
A screenshor of Mubashir Lucman from the leaked video.
Mubashir Lucman, news anchor at private channel Dunya TV, has been suspended for the comments he made ‘off-air’ while interviewing business tycoon Malik Riaz, reported Pakistan Today.
Behind the scenes footage showing Lucman and his co-anchor Meher Bokhari talking to Riaz during their show surfaced on YouTube under the title “Malik Riaz Planted Interview with Mehar Bokhari and Mubashir Lukman on dunya tv“ on Thursday. The show aired on the TV channel on Wednesday.
Sources told Pakistan Today that an inquiry has been ordered against those who leaked the video.
Bokhari is heard saying a question is planted towards the end of the video.
“Say what you want… what question should we ask. It will appear as though it is planted… it is, but it shouldn’t appear it is.”
The footage shows conversations between Lucman, Bokhari and Riaz focused on the kind of questions they will be asking. Both anchors are also instructed against interrupting Riaz during the interview.
The video begins with general conversation and is followed by Riaz questioning the anchors on why they are not asking why he is part of “deals”.
In between Lucman’s smoke break, Bokhari turns to Riaz to discuss what they will ask next. A brief discussion and a “khul kay poochain”, Meher says that they will discuss journalists at the end of the show, so as to “clear her name” at least.
Lucman tells Riaz, “Today I will ask you to give me in front of everyone. Give me a villa like you gave Hamid”. “No, no,” is Riaz’s response once again, followed by a “why not” from Lucman.
Riaz is seen occasionally choosing topics of his choice, focusing on the chief justice as well. He is also visibly upset during one part of the video, where he says that most of his questions are left and the work isn’t done.
The second part also sees both anchors getting into a little tiff over camera time. Bokhari calls Lucman childish, who takes his mic off and leaves.
Riaz appears desperate when Lucman walks off, asking him to come back, saying it will be unfair for him.
An angry Lucman returns and tells Riaz that he will say live on air that he was pressurised into doing the show by him and Mian Amir.
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Video leak: Lucman, Bokhari run 'planted show' with Malik Riaz
"It will appear as though it is planted… it is, but it shouldn’t appear it is” says Meher Bukhari.
By Shaheryar Popalzai
Published: June 14, 2012
"It will appear as though it is planted… it is, but it shouldn’t appear it is” says Meher Bokhari.
What do you get when you leave the camera on with two TV anchors and a business tycoon during an advertisement break? A candid video of what went on behind the scenes during what is termed a “planted show” on one of the biggest scandals in Pakistan’s history.
Behind the scenes footage showing Dunya TV anchors Mubashir Lucman and Meher Bokhari talking to Malik Riaz during their show surfaced on YouTube under the title “Malik Riaz Planted Interview with Mehar Bokhari and Mubashir Lukman on dunya tv“ on Thursday. The show aired on the TV channel on Wednesday.
The footage shows conversations between Lucman, Bokhari and Riaz focused on the kind of questions they will be asking. Both anchors are also instructed against interrupting Riaz during the interview.
Bokhari is heard saying a question is planted towards the end of the video.
“Say what you want… what question should we ask. It will appear as though it is planted… it is, but it shouldn’t appear it is.”
The video begins with general conversation and is followed by Riaz questioning the anchors on why they are not asking why he is part of “deals”.
Lucman is then seen on the phone asking if the interview is going fine and defending himself by saying Riaz is being given a chance.
Who is he speaking to? Abdul Qadir Gilani, he says.
The anchor tells “Gilani” that he wants to clear his name from taking money and he wants to talk about Hamid Mir’s allegations, but Riaz isn’t letting him take his name. “No, no,” says the business tycoon in response to that.
Riaz then asks “Gilani” to pray for him.
In between Lucman’s smoke break, Bokhari turns to Riaz to discuss what they will ask next. A brief discussion and a “khul kay poochain”, Meher says that they will discuss journalists at the end of the show, so as to “clear her name” at least.
Lucman tells Riaz, “Today I will ask you to give me in front of everyone. Give me a villa like you gave Hamid”. “No, no,” is Riaz’s response once again, followed by a “why not” from Lucman.
Yet another break later, both anchors and Riaz are once again seen talking about what the next discussion will be.
Riaz once again mentions that he wants them to ask why he is in every deal, and is told by Bokhari that she is not interested in asking that question, but is in return told that he wants to go back to it. “So go back,” says Lucman.
Riaz is seen occasionally choosing topics of his choice, focusing on the chief justice as well. He is also visibly upset during one part of the video, where he says that most of his questions are left and the work isn’t done.
Smoke breaks, thumbs up from both anchors, a high five and questions of how the show is going so far are also seen during the video.
Little arguments between both anchors are also regularly seen during the video, mostly on order of asking questions and the time each has to take.
Lucman also tells Riaz that he will ask a “conspiracy theory” question that he wanted to become the prime minister.
He tells Riaz that he will not answer the question before 10, as this will make people wait for it otherwise they won’t come back to the show.
In another interesting revelation, Riaz states that he does not eat roti, chawal or meetha, and will eat an egg or chicken. Lucman asks Bokhari to get barbecue instead.
Riaz is not to be interrupted
The second part of the video has strict instructions coming in for both Lucman and Bokhari that Riaz is not to be interrupted.
Both anchors give their assurance that they will not be interrupting the businessman now. Lucman also tells someone off camera that they should not be pressurising them for a break, and says that they will go over time if they have to.
Lucman then asks Riaz to give him a “dhamaka”, and is promised that he will get one on the next show.
Bokhari also delivers a message from Maryam Nawaz that a car had been offered to them but they had declined it after saying thank you.
During this talk, a muffled off screen voice says something and Riaz tells the female to stay quiet.
The second part also sees both anchors getting into a little tiff over camera time. Bokhari calls Lucman childish, who takes his mic off and leaves.
Riaz appears desperate when Lucman walks off, asking him to come back, saying it will be unfair for him.
An angry Lucman returns and tells Riaz that he will say live on air that he was pressurised into doing the show by him and Mian Amir.
Riaz continues trying to reconcile between the two during all of this.
He then begs both anchors and says that the program will be spoilt and that his life is at stake. Lucman then tells Riaz that he will say that he had gone to meet the man who also had documents to show against Dr Arsalan Iftikhar.
A video close to 26 minutes will now just add to the only dangerously brewing storm that has a member of the judiciary linked to it.
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ALERT
Supreme Court orders action against Arsalan Iftikhar, Malik Riaz, Salman Ahmed
By Mirza Hassan - Jun 14th, 2012 (2 Comments)
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Islamabad: The Supreme Court has issued short order in Arsalan Iftikhar case, ruling that Malik Riaz tried to buy justice through bribes which is an offense under law.
The court ordered the Attorney General Pakistan to take strict action against Arsalan Iftikhar, Malik Riaz and his son of law Salman Ahmed.
The court rejected plea of Zahid Bokhari of forming a commission to probe the case or handing it over to an investigation agency.
The order was given by a division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Jawwad S. Khuwaja and Justice Khilji Arfi hussain.
“Both who give or take bribe are sinners,Malik Riaz tried to buy justice through bribes which is an offense”.
In the order, the court said that while Malik Riaz claimed Rs327 million was given in cash, the documents presented only provided details of Arsalan’s visits and no proof of monetary transfers.
Malik Riaz admitted that he did not succeed in his efforts despite spending money.The order further stated that Riaz did not submit any statement on behalf of his son-in-law Salman
The court said that transparent trial was the basic right of Arsalan Iftikhar, Salman Ahmed and Malik Riaz
In the order, the court stated that the media had attacked the judiciary, adding that the statements of journalists showed that they did not try to get their facts straight
Justice Khuwaja said The News editor Shaheen Sehbai disclosed that chief justice would be targeted.
The SC ruled that the media was holding the national hostage on the basis of baseless information. The short order noted that media should not let itself use by those who doesn’t respect the Constitution.
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Twitter abuzz with #gates after Mehar Bukhari, Mubashir Luqman fiasco
By Shahab Nafees - Jun 15th, 2012 (6 Comments)
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Islamabad: Bahriagate, Mediagate, Anchorgate, Familygate, Malikgate, Arsalangate and now Mehrgate and Luqmangate. Twitter has been abuzz with these terms since the launch of a video uploaded on YouTube, showing (or exposing) Mehar Bukhari and Mubashir Luqman.
Whole Tweetosphere is flooded with tweets regarding the video and almost all tweeters vented their anger against the two anchors.
It may be first time in the history of Twitter that seven of the top ten trendings belonged to Pakistan and only one topic was being discussed—the media.
Below are some from a sea of tweets which show how Twitter sees these ‘gates’.
Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi @Ali_Abbas_Zaidi
#MediaGate is perhaps the best thing for Pakistani media. Swaying public perceptions out of inaccurate and speculative facts is a crime
15 Jun 12
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Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi @Ali_Abbas_Zaidi
The #Familygate #BahriaGate has given birth to #MediaGate - If properly managed, this can be the best thing that can happen to #Pakistan
15 Jun 12
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Wajahat S. Khan @WajSKhan
#Mediagate Buzz: Lucman suspended, may quit. Meher Bokhari may air clarification on leaked vid (allegedly by Luqman) on 10pm. Ratings drama?
15 Jun 12
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salman ahmad @sufisal
If a free and fair media is the 5th pillar of state, some Jaali Jourrnos are smelling it up like an army of skunks on heat. #mediagate
15 Jun 12
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Rasikh Mashhadi @rasikh
Jin ko tha Zubaan pay Naaz ... Chup hain woh zuban daraz ... @MubasherLucman #meharbukhari #anchorgate #bahriagate
15 Jun 12
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Syed Haris Izhar @Harisizhar
#MeharBukhari ke shakal main #AmirLiquat nazar aa raha hai :P
15 Jun 12
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Zeshan Schwarz @iamzhk
Today is the most historic day In the history of #Pakistan. Some really good guys exposed the snakes in the media. #MediaGate.
15 Jun 12
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Arslan Ali @a4arsl
I said so many times that this media is just business they can do anything for money and #MediaGate proved me right
15 Jun 12
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PAKMAN @FarrukhSiddiqui
#Pakistan Leave everything aside! First of all media should be trialed! Dood ka dood pani ka pani hona chaheyah! #MediaGate #AnchorGate
beena sarwar @beenasarwar
Just heard from @NasimZehra she has resigned from #DunyaTV. Couldn't stay on after this indefensible show whatever the motives of leak. Sad
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http://www.zemtv.com/2012/06/14/crossfire-meher-bokhari-trying-to-cover-her-fault-14th-june-2012/
http://www.zemtv.com/2012/06/14/malik-riaz-planted-interview-with-mehar-bukhari-and-mubashir-lukman-hidden-camera-recording/
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Bahria Town prices dip on Malik Riaz scandal
The city’s second largest housing project is one of Malik Riaz’s masterpieces.
By Shahram Haq
Published: June 17, 2012
Bahria Town is the second largest housing society after Defence Housing Authority in Lahore. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE:
Being a real estate agent in Lahore, Azeem like many others peers invested in the one of the most sought after housing society in the city. News of the mastermind behind the project Malik Riaz being caught up in a national level scandal has witnessed prices of the society plummet and create a panic among real estate agents.
“I have not only invested my savings in this scheme, but also money of my investors,” said Azeem.
The society has been doing well for some years and was providing a big relief to the real estate market of Lahore but the scandal is reversing the land price and putting our investments in jeopardy.
Malik Riaz, one of Pakistan’s most high-profile businessmen, has alleged that Arsalan Iftikhar, son of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, took almost $3.6 million from him in exchange for favourable verdicts in cases involving Riaz’s businesses. The case is still under trial at the Supreme Court.
Prices of a 605-square yard plot have declined up to Rs200,000 in the last few days, agents told The Express Tribune.
There was a time when the real estate developments in Lahore were based purely on providing housing units, with little regard for any other facilities. The military-owned Defence Housing Authority began offering a few improvements in infrastructure but the trend did not catch on until the late 1990s, when Bahria Town began offering ‘lifestyle real estate’. From then on, a trend started that has continued since.
Other than this, another boom to the real estate market was the migration of people from across the province looking for a save-haven against the rise in criminal activities.
Bahria Town is the second largest housing society after Defence Housing Authority in Lahore, however, the property magnate backed-society has become the preferred choice due to its unique and international living standards.
Prices of land and houses have been stagnant in DHA while Bahria Town prices have declined. Majority of the growing middle class is investing in Bahria Town as it is much cheaper and provides more facilities than DHA.
The day the saga hit all news channels, investors panicked and started selling, even at prices lower than the market going rate, said property expert Shahreyar Ashraf while warning that this is just the start.
The son of Malik Riaz, Ali Riaz, in a statement recently announced that he is handling Bahria Town affairs, but this was not enough to lift investor confidence, Ashraf added. The real estate market is volatile to news flows.
Investors fearing the worst have started shifting their investment to other societies.
Property investors operating at a large scale have the option to divert their investment but we can’t, said Azeem. We can just pray and hope for the best, he added.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2012.
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Off-air leak a ‘big conspiracy’, says Riaz’s counsel
Bukhari demands that the hidden faces behind the conspiracy be exposed.
By Our Correspondent
Published: June 17, 2012
Bukhari demands that the hidden faces behind the conspiracy be exposed. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
LAHORE:
Zahid Bukhari, the counsel for real estate magnate Malik Riaz, said on Saturday that the leaked off-air footage of his client’s controversial Dunya TV interview appeared to be ‘a big conspiracy’, adding that he would stand by the court against this conpiracy.
Bukhari, whose entry into the Lahore Bar has been banned due to his representing Riaz in the Dr Arsalan case, was addressing a press conference in Lahore. He demanded that the hidden faces behind the conspiracy be exposed.
Bukhari said the Supreme Court did not give “a clean chit” to any one which showed that there was an imminent need to investigate the situation. The controversial property developer’s counsel also claimed that his client had not given any money or bungalows to journalists, an allegation making the rounds since a list containing a list of media persons apparently on Riaz’s payroll was leaked.
Bukhari also read out an email which he claimed was sent to him by Riaz in which, he said, Riaz had denied giving any financial or other favours to journalists. The counsel further claimed that the list of journalists, allegedly given cars, property and cash which was published on a Bahria Town letterhead, was bogus and had no legal significance.
Regarding questions pertaining to Riaz’s allegations against the chief justice and the superior judiciary during a press conference in Islamabad earlier this week Bukhari said he had no association with his client’s comments. He added “it would have been better” if his client had consulted him prior to holding the contentious press conference.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2012.
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A short history of Mehar Bukhari
By Ahmed Rayyan - Jun 17th, 2012 (4 Comments)
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Karachi: Mehar Bukhari, the controversial hostess of Dunya TV news channel, is among those faces made their debut in the electronic media in the past one decade and gradually attained reputation as an outspoken and an influential anchorperson in the national political scenario.
Without any prior experience of journalism, Bukhari was become the part of launching team of Samaa TV in 2007 and manipulated public opinion on the social and political issues of the country through her talk shows.
Nai Rahei
She became anchorperson of the program “Nai Rahei”, which highlighted the issues of the women in urban and rural areas initially. Later on the focused of program was shifted on issues of Pakistan’s society and its problems.
Mehar came in the limelight when a fake footage in her program in which Tribal areas Taliban lashed out a young girl publicly on the pretext of illicit relationship with a man.
The program gained reputation with obvious high rating and become leading topic of every TV channel and newspaper.
Though the video provided by Samar Minallah was later declared as faked by the court of law since there was no such incident reported by police however its impacts were widespread at the time it was raised.
News Beat
Mehar Bukhari was later made the hostess of political show “News Beat” in which she appeared to be more blatant and confident interviewing top political leaders of the country on different topics.
She conducted many successful live shows and attained viewers’ attentions in few months as credible and brave anchorperson.
In 2010, her photos with CIA official in US Embassy were surfaced on internet and social media that caused dent to her credibility first time as her fans were heart-broken with her gestures shown in the snaps.
Though there were other female anchorpersons belonging to different news channels seen in the photos but Bukhari can be seen more frankly with male US officials, which is unacceptable in our society and raised many questions on her partiality as media person.
In the same year in August, a video footage of Mehar Bukhari was uploaded and shared widely on Youtube and Facebook in which she looked to be very close to the federal ministers (Qamar uz Zama Kaira and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf) who had been criticized in her show.
Fatwa on Salman Taseer
In 2011, she telecasted fatwa of a local scholar on the killing of slain Salman Taseer that invited harsh criticism and reactions from liberal scholars on the content of her show.
She lost her job in Samaa TV after Mr Taseer was assassinated.
Crossfire at Dunya News
Mehar Bukhari joined Dunay TV in May 2011 against handsome salary of more than one million rupees. She started conducted her show “Crossfire” after couple of months and continued to hold talk shows on national political issues to play a vital role in making public opinion through leading news channel.
Marriage with Kashif Abbasi
She came in the limelight again in November 2011 when she got married with Kashif Abbasi, a senior anchor of ARY News Channel. Her husband is considered though a decent anchor but he could not influence her professional career positively as she continued to carry out controversial programs.
Dunya Leaks Scandal
And now in June 2012, she has been exposed by a leaked video conducting a “planted show” for manipulation of public opinion in the favor of Malik Riaz, a real estate tycoon.
The show not only created mess in Dunya News and media industry but also grabbed the attention of supreme judiciary of the country, which ordered an inquiry of the program after a day.
The co-host of the program, Mubashir Lucman, was suspended by Dunya News management but her fate has yet to be decided.
Bukhari though tried in vain to explain about the content of the program at her show but she has lost a majority of her fans and viewers who got surprised and enraged to watch her gestures and conversations in the off-air time of talk shows.
In the span five years, the career of Mehar Bukhari was full with successes, controversies and scandals. Now the viewers of the TV channels will decide whether her show should be watched or not.
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ALERT
Social media power: Malik Riaz becomes active on Facebook
By Ahmed Rayyan - Jun 17th, 2012 (2 Comments)
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Karachi: After leaked video fiasco, Malik Riaz (MR), the real estate tycoon, has become active on Facebook to gain public support through presenting his philanthropic activities for the welfare of poor masses.
An official fan page titled “We Support Malik Riaz Hussain” created on June 15 which attracted nearly 3,000 likes in a day thanks to advertisement.
The page portrays Malik Riaz as heroic figure of the country having his various snaps for the masses welfare activities. It is also filled up with the opinion pieces and article written in his favour by prominent journalists and analysts in leading newspapers.
The FB page also contains material which demeans Chief Justice of Pakistan Chaudhry Iftikhar Muhammad for his involvement in the corruption of his son Dr Arsalan Chaudhry.
Besides the documents (bills) were also uploaded which were evidences upon which TV anchors of different news channels had earlier conducted their talk shows
It also contains post of editorial written by his friend Najam Sethi on the prevailing issue in Friday Times.
It seems that a dedicated team of social media activists or professionals was hired to cultivate a public opinion in the favour of MR through FB pages while criticizing CJP’s son involvement in the corruption.
The MR introduction written on the FB page is
“Pakistan’s Leading Real Estate Developer & Philanthropist. Entrepreneurship has itself found new meanings in the work of Malik Riaz. Because of his philanthropic initiatives, he is being dubbed as the Warren Buffett of Pakistan.”
Malik Riaz Hussain, Founder and Ex Chairman , is a real force behind Bahria Town, started in the 1980s as a small-time contractor. As competitors targeted the rich, he built for the emerging middle class, becoming one of Pakistan’s richest developers.
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After losing paid agent Mubashir Luqman, Shujaat puts up defence of family friend
By Abdul Hafeez - Jun 16th, 2012 (No Comment)
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Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid president Chaudhry Shujaat has put up a stout defence of property tycoon Malik Riaz and the latter would definitely be thinking that Chauhdry Sahib should be his defence counsel instead of Zahid Bolhari.
Shujaat who along with Chaudhry Pervez Elahi supported dictatorial regime of General Pervez Musharrf with Elahi vowing to elect the dictator in uniform 10-times, is now advising people to think of Malik Riaz’s philanthropy. He says Riaz provides the people with free meal at Bahria Dastarkhwuan, gives dowry to the daughters of poor. Shujaat doesn’t forget to mention Riaz’s support of people during floods.
However, the Q-League president didn’t answer whether people should receive Malik Riaz’s aid at the cost of justice and Supreme Court of Pakistan and Pakistanis should let the tycoon do what he wanted.
Shujaat warned the people of consequences of Malik Riaz burst as he has numerous secrets about how governments were formed in the past. Perhaps, Shujaat doesn’t know the poor masses have nothing to do with how the governments were formed.
Speaking to party workers on Friday, he said he had family relations with Malik Riaz, adding that the property tycoon was a self-made person.
Shujaat’s tone indicates as Malik Riaz is an innocent man and being singled out by his opponent, like Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. However, he doesn’t tell why the Bahria Town owner allegedly bribed Arsalan Iftikhar and why he had tried to involve the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Chaudhry Sahib’s one of the staunch supporters Mubashir Luqman has been caught conspiring along with his family friend Malik Riaz against the Chief Justice of Pakistan on a TV channel owned by his crony Mian Amir Mehmmod.
Should people of Pakistan be thinking that Chaudhry Shujaat is behind the conspiracy to let down the CJ just because Moonis ELahi was sent behind the bars for his corruption?
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Pak chief justice’s son is not new to controversies
Reports alleged that Dr Iftikhar sought favours from a big business magnate, Malik Riaz Hussain.
DAWN correspondent 10th Jun
Dr Arsalan Iftikhar (C).
akistan Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took suo moto action against one of his own sons, Dr Arsalan Iftikhar after reports alleged that the latter sought favours from one of the biggest business magnates of Pakistan, Malik Riaz Hussain. Dr Iftikhar is not new to controversies and was earlier brought to the limelight in 2007 when Pervez Musharraf filed a reference against his father before the Supreme Judicial Council. The reference stated various allegations against Iftikhar, however, none of them were proven during the trial of the chief justice.
Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was suspended by Pervez Musharraf in March 2007, on various charges pertaining to corruption. According to the reference filed against the chief justice, one of the charges levelled against him was that he allegedly committed misconduct by employing his position to gain undue advantage for his son. The bizarre reference stated that Dr Iftikhar secured an overall C grade in intermediate examinations, which was not sufficient to grant him admission in Bolan Medical College in 1996. It was alleged that the then Chief Minister of Balochistan was approached to nominate Dr Iftikhar for admission against leftover foreign vacant seats/special seats. According to the reference, Dr Iftikhar was appointed as a medical officer at Institute of Public Health, Quetta in 2005. A few days after his initial appointment, the Chief Minister of Balochistan passed an order, which called for Dr Iftikhar's promotion as section officer in the health department. The orders were allegedly given to the then chief secretary of Balochistan who referred the case to Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), as the authority to approve postings and transfers of secretariat staff.
Ironically, the reference also stated that in August 2005, the Ministry of Interior addressed a letter to the chief secretary of Balochistan regarding Dr Iftikhar's services being required in FIA.
In September 2005, the Ministry of Interior issued a notification to appoint Dr Iftikhar as assistant director in the FIA. In April 2006, Dr Iftikhar was promoted to the position of deputy director in FIA. After being promoted in FIA, it is alleged that a campaign was launched to recruit Dr Iftikhar in the police service.
The reference also mentions that in May 2006, the Ministry of Interior issued a letter to Commandment National Police Academy in Islamabad to attach Dr Iftikhar for field training along with under training ASPs. A few days later the Ministry of Interior issued another letter which stated that after the completion of Dr Iftikhar's training at National Police Academy, the services of the trainee be made available to the Punjab Police.
Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Secretariat was allegedly approached to permanently induct Dr Iftikhar as an employee of the Police Service of Pakistan. However, his permanent recruitment required an amendment in the Police Service of Pakistan Rules 1985, which could only be introduced through the President's approval. The authorities claim that the chief justice exerted immense pressure on the Prime Minister Secretariat to ensure his son's permanent induction in the police force.
The aforementioned charges, along with other cases, brought about the suspension of Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
The charges filed by former President Musharraf were challenged by the chief justice in the Supreme Court of Pakistan as he believed that the Supreme Judicial Council will manoeuvre the judgment according to the President's will. Shortly afterwards, Musharraf imposed emergency in Pakistan, during which chief justice and his family were under house arrest.
It is now being alleged that Dr Iftikhar has accepted up to Rs 400 million in bribe from Bahria Town's Malik Riaz Hussain. It is also alleged that between 2009 and 2011, Hussain sponsored his trips to London with credit cards to be used at his discretion.
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NEWS IN BRIEF: 'Pak chief justice's son ran judiciary like a don'
By Mail Today Reporter
PUBLISHED: 23:44 GMT, 12 June 2012 | UPDATED: 00:01 GMT, 13 June 2012
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Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry
Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry
A day after threatening to make public bomb-like evidence against the son of the Pakistan Chief Justice, an Islamabadbased real estate tycoon told the country's supreme court on Tuesday that his relatives had paid a staggering 342.5 million rupees (in local currency) to Arsalan Iftikhar, who he claimed was running the judiciary like a don.
The real estate tycoon at the centre of a corruption scandal involving Iftikhar Chaudhry's son levelled several damning allegations against the judiciary, and said the top judge was aware of the scam for six months but took no action.
Malik Riaz Hussain, the founder of the Bahria Town real estate firm, alleged that the Chief Justice's son, Arsalan, was running the judiciary like a don and vowed to make more revelations about the judiciary in the coming days.
In a statement submitted to the apex court, which had taken suo motu notice of media reports on improper links between the tycoon and Arsalan, Hussain accused him of blackmailing his relatives.
Later, referring to the Chief Justice's pledge that the apex court would act according to Quranic injunctions and Islamic law in dealing with his son's case, Hussain produced a Quran during a news conference and asked the Chief Justice to tell the people how many times he had met him (Hussain) in the dark of night.
Hussain alleged that the evidence against Arsalan was brought to the Chief Justices's notice six months ago by a mutual friend but Chaudhry had refused to see the proof.
'The Chief Justice should say how long he has known of this case and why he didn't take suo motu (action),' Hussain said.
'They say it is an independent judiciary, it is actually a judiciary being held hostage. It is being run by a don. I am not saying the don is the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the don is Arsalan Iftikhar,' he alleged.
Hussain contended that the Chief Justice's son and the Supreme Court's registrar Faqir Hussain were present at his meetings with the top judge.
He further alleged that the Chief Justice had met Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani several times at the Lahore home of his business partner, Ahmed Khalil.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2158351/Pak-chief-justices-son-ran-judiciary-like-don.html#ixzz1y6YvZu4O
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This was just artifical boom created by the Bahri itself through bulk agents/investors, even a 5marla plot was asking at 3-4 lack own.
Now this nut is cracking & prices r declining to the actual value.
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Sky
21 hours ago
Reply
Buy the fear. Good time to buy. – investor
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roadkashehzada
20 hours ago
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so wht does this report suggests??? proceedings against riaz thekedaar is hurting public interest??
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Raj
20 hours ago
Reply
Prices of a 605-square yard plot have declined up to Rs200,000 in the last few days, agents told The Express Tribune.
I must say Pakistanis are very lucky to get such large chunk of plots at such cheap rates that too in one of the major cities like Lahore. In India to get even 200 sq yd of land in any of the metros , one has to spend all his life time savings and also may need to take a loan on top of that. Then there are some neighbourhoods where middle class people can’t even think of buying appartments let alone plots
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Ajamal
19 hours ago
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Another knee jert reaction by our people. When will be learn to keep personal and corporate affairs separate?
In the worst scenario, an independent board can be appointed by Supreme Court to run the affairs of Bahrai to protect billions of inidviduals investment.
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Baba Ji
17 hours ago
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Time to buy !!!!!!Recommend6
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Ahmad
17 hours ago
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After what all appeared on media, how can one be sure that the article above is not a paid article by the Bahria town competitors?
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KB
17 hours ago
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@Raj: It meant ‘up to’ 200k which does not give clear picture of how much the price of this will be. Islamabad has one of the expensive most properties so the story is same about people spending their life saving up except for a very little percentage.
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KB
17 hours ago
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@Ajamal: Behavioural Finance sure had some concepts that were relevant. The market react to such news which is normal.
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Hemant
16 hours ago
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@Raj:
The report nowhere indicates the price of the 605 yard plot , what it states that the price has declined by 2 lacs .
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Hunter Punter
16 hours ago
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a 605 yd plot in london comes for about 5 million pounds…. 200000/- is dirt cheap. unless the price quoted is wrong. surely in lahore, prices of prime property must be far more than that.
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MB
16 hours ago
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So now the people will flock to buy plots in Bahria Town which will increase the prices. Simple economics.Recommend5
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Rhazes
15 hours ago
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@Hunter Punter: The prices declined by 200,000 not that the land was worth 200,000. For 200,000 you won’t be able to buy even a one bedroom flat in a poor locality.
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Nadir
15 hours ago
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Hawwww! 200k “decline” is a drop in the bucket, compared to the original landholders who got a pittance at best or nothing at all as they were forced of their land!
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Aziz
14 hours ago
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This time it may not be managed decline in price but Bahrai does it premeditatedly to pick the titles back at low levels as they have deep pocket. When they collect back enough the storm is over and they sell it at high prices and we common people follow their plans like idiots. Same happens in most the stock markets specially in developing world where regulators are corrupt and incompetent to cath the white collar thieves.
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Ashraf P
13 hours ago
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You can now get a villa in Bahria Town for 1 million. But no takers. I am waiting for the price to come down to 100,000. Then, I will buy.
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Mian Allah Yar Ahmed
12 hours ago
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Dear Fellows;-
Please keep in mind these big alligators want to snatch the last bite from Pakistanis who have invested their life saving in Bahria Town, it looks like the same game of Cooperative societies. Kindly be aware this might be the big game to digest Trillions of people.Recommend2
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Muhammed
11 hours ago
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prices in Pakistan are already INFLATED …. the property business is being done in hardly 15 – 20 Communities and 90% of people who are buying and selling are INVESTORS.
I would say the prices should go down another 500,000 Rs to come to actual value
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Mehar Bukhari must quit TV
By Dr Ghayur Ayub - Jun 18th, 2012 (2 Comments)
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Karachi: Mehar Bukhari added her name in the sting operation against the superior judiciary and the CJP in that special interview of Malik Riaz on Dunya TV.
People around the globe with interest in Pakistani politics watched her doing everything to please the property tycoon through her conversation supported by body language during ‘off-the-air’ intervals. She tried her best to get Malik Riaz’s attention and ‘blessings’. He responded with ‘fatherly’ attitude. To please her, he promised to give her exclusive one-to-one interview in future. The whole ‘episode’ reminded me of slave mental mind-set our society suffers from.
Despite her explanation the next day on her talk show, she cannot hide the factual visuals seen by millions a day earlier. The question is why did she want to have another one-to-one interview? Didn’t she do enough ‘Khush-Amadi’ in those two hours that she wanted more hours? What else she could have done that she didn’t do in that interview?
Whether she likes it or not, the paradoxical approach in ‘on the air’ and ‘off the air’ visuals brought her down in the eyes of the public. Khwaja Asif tried to save her integrity by calling her a ‘collateral damage’. It is not as simple as that. The only way she can distance herself from the sting operation and be counted as ‘collateral damage’ is to resigns from Dunya TV as her colleague Nasim Zahar did. That is the only honourable way out otherwise showing selected clips of her conversations and trying to explain her position is like cleaning her greasy hands with water instead of turpentine. Moreover it can cast a shadow on her husband Kashif Abbasi’s integrity, who is known to be an upright anchor person.
Finally, if one removes the clip in which Mubashar Lucman received a call from PM’s son and handed over the telephone in a disgraceful manner to Riaz Malik, he acted and sounded more upright than Meher Bukhari during those crucial ‘off the air’ time.
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FIA, NAB and police to probe Malik Riaz saga
Three member-joint investigation team to probe chief justice’s, tycoon’s families.
By Abdul Manan
Published: June 19, 2012
Three member-joint investigation team to probe chief justice’s, tycoon’s families. PHOTO: REUTERS/ FILE
LAHORE:
Following the Supreme Court ruling to investigate the alleged payments made by property tycoon Malik Riaz to the chief justice of Pakistan’s son, Dr Arsalan Iftikhar, the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP)’s office has constituted a three-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) which will probe the entire saga, sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune.
According to sources, the JIT consists of the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, as well as directors from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The members and mandate of the JIT has been suggested and finalised by the PPP-led coalition government – and the details were sent to the AGP’s office on Monday night for a notification to be issued.
Sources told The Express Tribune that AGP Irfan Qadir would, in coming days, issue the notification – which could come as early as Tuesday (today). The AGP will monitor the JIT and later submit the findings to the court.
Former chairman Bahria Town Malik Riaz had accused Dr Arsalan of financial impropriety, claiming that he had taken bribes from him and promised to have his cases pending in court settled amicably.
The Supreme Court on June 14 had directed the AGP to proceed according to the law and take required action against business tycoon Malik Riaz, his son-in-law Salman and the chief justice’s son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar.
JIT’s mandate
According to sources, the JIT has been mandated to investigate the following: the wife of the chief justice, his son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar, his “pir” (mentor) Hakeem Abdul Wahab, Malik Riaz and his son-in-law Salman Ali Khan. Besides these two families, JIT would investigate businessman Ahmad Khalil, alleged to be the go-between, and renowned lawyer Hamid Khan.
According to sources, Hakim Wahab is suspected to be a partner of Dr Arsalan.
According to sources, Riaz had claimed that the bribes were given primarily for two cases – both of which would be investigated in close detail. The JIT, said sources, would investigate Riaz’s allegation that he was asked to hire Hamid Khan for these two cases.
One case pertained to the car race accident, which took place in December 2010, as a result of which five persons were killed. Riaz’s son, Ali Riaz, faced murder charges. The second case is said to be the one pertaining to the murder of a Bahria Town guard Fayyaz Ahmad.
AGP Irfan Qadir, while talking with The Express Tribune, confirmed the formation of the JIT. He promised that everything in this matter would be unveiled.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2012.
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Bahria Town brings out Dr Arsalan judgment
Real estate company says SC ruled that such cases be referred to a trial court.
By Our Correspondent
Published: July 3, 2012
Real estate company says SC ruled that such cases be referred to a trial court.
ISLAMABAD:
An embattled Bahria Town administration came out with some new ammunition on Monday, pleading that the Supreme Court should not be hearing cases against it – ironically basing its new prayer on a recent judgment given by the apex court itself in the controversial Dr Arsalan Iftikhar case.
In a reply submitted to the court in the case pertaining to the murder of a security guard in relation to an alleged land-grabbing case, Bahria Town’s administration pointed out that in the Dr Arsalan case, which dealt with alleged bribes taken by the chief justice’s son from the family of real estate tycoon, the court had stated that matters of such nature should be taken up by a “competent trial court”.
Bahria Town pleaded that “the Honourable Supreme Court is not a trial court, which can decide the civil disputes between private parties” and also pointed out that the real estate company has already submitted that all claims against it are actually “civil disputes” and should hence be decided by a “civil court.” Taking its argument a step further, it was also argued that if Bahria Town property disputes are to be taken up by the apex court, then all such disputes should be dropped from civil courts and taken up by the Supreme Court.
The real estate company further prayed that it had not been given a “proper trial” – which, it was argued, could only take place in a civil court “after the recording of evidence and a decision taken on merits.” The right to such a trial, contended Bahria Town, has been enshrined in the Constitution under Article 10-A – which was also stated by the Supreme Court in its “landmark” judgment in the Dr Arsalan case.
Bahria Town, the largest land development company in the country, and its former chairman Malik Riaz have a number of cases being heard against them in the Supreme Court for over three years now. It was pointed out that the Dr Arsalan case had been referred to the competent authority “within 4 days” – and Bahria Town has prayed to get similar treatment from the court.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2012.
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Graft investigation: I am not going to run away, says Malik Riaz
By Web Desk
Published: July 30, 2012
Riaz slams 'proclaimed offender'proceedings initiated against him by ATC. PHOTO: REUTERS/ FILE
ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI: The Bahria Town chief Malik Riaz, who appeared before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Modnay, hit out at being declared a proclaimed offender by a Rawalpindi court.
An Anti-Corruption court initiated a process whereby Riaz would be termed a proclaimed offender in a case involving his son and seven others, accused of purchasing land through alleged forged documents and fake identities.
Express News reported that Riaz had lashed out saying that if he is to be declared a ‘proclaimed offender’, then he best be arrested, but the move, he warned, would not deter him and attempts to force him to ‘run’ will not work.
“The supreme court should hear the case in which have been declared a proclaimed offender and see for them selves whether there is any truth in it, or just another false case,” Riaz urged before telling media persons that he already has bail in the case for which proclaimed offender proceedings were being initiated against him.
The tycoon of Bahria Town fame also reached out to the Supreme Court, asking the apex body to provide his son-in-law protection whereby he too could come and present his testimony in the Dr Arsalan Iftikhar case.
NAB JIT
Business magnet Malik Riaz appeared before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of NAB today and answered questions about the details given by him, in response to JIT’s questionnaire served on him during his last appearance, a release said.
Malik Riaz elaborated and explained some commercial transactions involving large amounts through which allegedly Dr Arslan Iftikhar Chaudhry obtained undue financial benefits from Malik Riaz and Bahria Town.
NAB said it will deeply examine the transactions brought on record. The material and information received from various banks and financial institutions is also being evaluated by financial experts and reports on various financial trails are being compiled.
Meanwhile, Malik Riaz sought a further weeks time for submitting additional documentary evidence to substantiate his contentions.
The release said that the JIT has initiated an exercise to look into money laundering aspects associated with the case.
NAB also issued notices to Dr Arslan Iftikhar Chaudhry to appear in person later this week. Dr Faqir Hussain has also been summoned in his private capacity.
Becoming a proclaimed offender
Earlier on Monday, a special judge of the Anti-Corruption Court initiated the process of proclamation for Malik Riaz, his son and seven other accused in a case of purchasing land through alleged forged documents and fake identities.
The trial Judge Chaudhry Amir Muhammad Khan issued posters showing the owner of Bharia Town Malik Riaz, his son Ahmed Ali Riaz and others after they did not appear before the court despite repeated warrants for arrest were issued after summons and adjourned the hearing till September 3, 2012.
The court further directed the district coordination officer DCO Rawalpindi to collect the information about the movable and immovable properties of Riaz in Rawalpindi and submit a report to the court on next date of hearing.
The proclamation process started after the property tycoon failed to get favourable decision from the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi bench, against the arrest warrants issued by the trial court.
Malik Riaz, his employees and some revenue officials were being tried for transferring 1401 kanal land in the names of the property tycoon at Malikpur Azizal in the area of Rawat and his son allegedly using forged mutations, transfer letters and fake identities.
Riaz has denied allegations of fraud and says he was looted by the revenue officials and some middle men as he paid Rs85 million for purchase of the land in 2009.
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