Could a millionaire businessman save Iraq’s Sunnis?

‹ Khamis Khanjar, (2nd L) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ned Parker Khamis Khanjar, (2nd L) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February ... Reuters/Ned Parker + Khamis Khanjar, (C) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ned Parker Khamis Khanjar, (C) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, ... Reuters/Ned Parker + Khamis Khanjar, (L) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ned Parker Khamis Khanjar, (L) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, ... Reuters/Ned Parker + Khamis Khanjar, (2nd L) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ned Parker Khamis Khanjar, (2nd L) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February ... Reuters/Ned Parker + Khamis Khanjar, (C) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ned Parker Khamis Khanjar, (C) a Sunni multimillionaire, visits displaced Sunni Iraqis at a school he funds in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, February 16, ... Reuters/Ned Parker + › Could a millionaire businessman save Iraq’s Sunnis...X By Ned Parker ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - For at least a decade, Iraqi business mogul Khamis Khanjar has bankrolled Sunni politicians and fighters alike. Now, he wants to use his multi-million dollar fortune to create an autonomous region for Iraq's Sunnis. Khanjar's emergence from backroom deal-maker to would-be Sunni champion is just one sign of Iraq's continued political drift. Efforts by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to reconcile Iraq's Sunni and Shi'ites have mostly foundered, despite increased U.S. engagement in Iraq. Shi'ite parties and militias are often more focused on their own internal power struggles than brokering a political compromise with Sunnis. Sunni tribes tell security officials and politicians they are at the mercy of both Sunni extremist group Islamic State and Shi'ite militias. Dubai-based Khanjar says he offers an alternative: a federation in which Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds could all run their own parts of the country without formally breaking it up. A Sunni federal region would win billions in investments from Gulf Arab states and Turkey, Khanjar and partners in his alliance said. Last week, Khanjar, a native of the embattled Sunni city of Falluja, announced in a televised address that he was forming a delegation to investigate "extrajudicial killing," the "demolishing and looting of property" and other alleged human rights violations by Shi'ite militia there. "The Iraqi government is granting a political cover to militias and consistently denies the systematic violations of human rights" Khanjar said. The government has consistently denied any involvement by state forces in killings or abductions and said it actively works to arrest criminal gangs behind such actions. Over the past year, the six-foot-tall tycoon, flanked by a gaggle of aides and British private security contractors, has made a series of trips to northern Iraq. He limits himself to Kurdistan, because, he says, his life is in danger from Islamic State and Iranian-backed forces in other parts of the country. He is also paying $65,000 a month to a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm run by former Clinton White House officials to promote his cause in the United States. Iraq's ruling Shi'ite leaders deride him as a destabilizing opportunist. Jabbar al-Abadi, a member of parliament from the Prime Minister's Dawa party, described Khanjar's push for Sunni autonomy as "an invitation to tear Iraq apart." Sunni rivals of Khanjar describe him as a self-promoter and accuse him of putting his desire for power above Iraq's stability. Khanjar's advantage is his checkbook, which has helped bankroll political coalitions, finance tribal uprisings and fuel nationwide protests. Sunni and Shi'ite politicians alike have tried to woo him at one time or another, including some who despise him. Former U.S. diplomats say that Khanjar's sizeable fortune and close ties with Gulf States and Turkey allow him to be a secret and enduring force in Iraq's politics. "Khanjar will play any side so as to gain advantage for himself," one former U.S. official said. "Question is: does he really want to influence his country for the best, or is he just protecting and expanding his business networks? Or is it all just a game for a guy who is a billionaire?" That matters because over the past decade, assassinations by Islamic State and Shi'ite militias, and political infighting have severely winnowed the pool of budding Sunni politicians. ADVERTISEMENT Ex-U.S. diplomat Ali Khedery, who worked in Baghdad from 2003 to 2010, said "Khanjar is one of the very few Sunni figures with vision, intellect, and money, who is left standing, although he is far from perfect in a country wracked by violence, sectarianism and corruption." Khanjar's history is controversial. Former Sunni guerrillas in Iraq say he helped fund the anti-U.S. insurgency that began soon after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Later, they say, he backed the 2006 pro-American Sunni tribal uprising that helped destroy Islamic State's original incarnation, Al Qaeda in Iraq. In 2010, Khanjar says he helped found one of the two main political lists in Iraq's national elections. Three years later, he helped finance nationwide Sunni protests against Baghdad. Ezzat Shabandar, a Shiite politician, who negotiated with Khanjar during the 2010 Iraqi government formation process, described the tycoon as the man the Shi'ite parties had to talk with earlier this decade. "He had power and wealth," Shabandar said, though cautioned that the emergence of Islamic State meant it would be harder for Khanjar to be an unrivaled "strongman" for Sunnis today. Khanjar's net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. His assets include manufacturing, banking, financial services and commercial and residential real estate across the Middle East, Europe and North Africa. Detractors – from former insurgents to Iraqi intelligence officers – say his family built its fortune by setting up front companies for members of Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1990s. They accuse Khanjar of seizing his partners' assets for himself after the 2003 invasion, accusations he denies. Asked his worth, Khanjar laughed and answered: "God has been very good to me." PANDORA'S BOX? Earlier this year, Khanjar flew into Iraqi Kurdistan to inspect some of the 14 schools and three clinics he funds for the one million Sunnis who have settled there after being displaced from their homes across Iraq. Dressed elegantly in a dark suit, he was greeted by dozens of Sunni children in matching blue and white uniforms. The children dutifully recited poems praising him as their rescuer from Iraq's sectarian conflict. Khanjar smiled, folded his hands and addressed them. Iraq's Sunnis must fight both Islamic State terrorists and Iraqi government-backed Shi'ite militias, he said. "We are heading towards a borderless, bloody Sunnistan if there is no immediate action by the Iraqi government to address Sunni rights," he told Reuters later. "Once we cross the threshold, no wise men – myself or any other – can close Pandora's box." Khanjar argues that a federal region modeled on Iraq's nearly independent Kurdish territory will grant Sunnis rights and help them to fight Islamic State. The Iraqi constitution allows the country's provinces to create a federal region. Sunni provinces have attempted to do so twice but were rebuffed by former Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. Abadi, who took over two years ago, has endorsed the principle of greater local governance. But he has been reluctant to address the campaign for a broader Sunni region. To push his case, Khanjar has recruited powerful Sunni political allies, including the former governor of Mosul, Atheel al-Nujaifi, and ex-finance minister Rafaa al-Issawi. U.S. officials viewed Issawi as a leading Sunni moderate before former Prime Minister Maliki issued a controversial arrest warrant against him for terrorism in December 2012. But Khanjar and his allies complain that they have been frozen out by the Obama administration. They say U.S. officials do not believe their complaints that the Iraqi government is failing to reconcile with Sunnis or to address abuses carried out by the Shi'ite militia forces. They say the U.S. government has refused to issue visas for Issawi and Nujaifi to travel to the United States after the two visited Washington last spring and criticized the Iraqi government. U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Stuart Jones, denied that there was a deliberate policy to keep the men out but declined to elaborate on why their visas had been refused. Jones said it was against policy to speak about individual visa cases. "The US embassy has no interest‎ in silencing Iraqi voices in Washington DC or anywhere else," Jones said. "Nor do we have that capacity." U.S. officials declined to speak publicly about Khanjar. Seeking to address the impasse with the United States, Khanjar has deployed his wealth in Washington. In September 2015, he hired the Glover Park Group, a lobbying firm run by former Clinton White House and Democrat campaign officials. This winter, he opened an office in Washington. And his current media point man is the former spokesman of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power. "We have great relations with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey," Khanjar said, while emphasizing he was an Iraqi patriot. "We want to leverage these relationships." Nujaifi, the former Mosul governor, says he is focused on securing the support of Turkey for the Sunni federal project. The pair are also building their own paramilitary forces to fight Islamic State. Nujaifi says his force now includes 4,000 men from Nineveh province who have been trained by Turkey. Khanjar says he has funded 2,400 men now fighting Islamic State just outside Falluja. He claims to have another 4,000 recruits who are ready for training. Khanjar insists he is trying to save his country for its sake, not his. "Anyone would like to see his country stable and secure," he said. "If it was stable and secure, I would never have thought of going into politics." (Additional reporting by Stephen Kalin and Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad; Edited by Simon Robinson and David Rohde)

Business tycoon Malik Riaz loses 'Bahria' brand name

🔍  Dunya Today صفحہ اول پاکستان دنیا کھیل شوبز ٹیکنالوجی صحت خواتین بلاگ / کالم آپ کی رائے ملٹی میڈیا بچوں کا ادب . اہم خبریں والد معاف کر دیں گے، آؤ قندیل کو قتل کریں امریکیوں کا سینیٹ میں آنا کوئی نئی بات نہیں ورن کی دھشوم کامیاب، گرل فرینڈ کے ساتھ سیلفی موو آن چیئرمین کا مزید جسمانی ریمانڈ گیزلے بینڈن کی اولپمکس واک فرانس میں آگ سے 13 ہلاک بحریہ ٹاؤن میں مظاہرین سے مذاکرات، ایکسکلوزو ویڈیو بحریہ ٹاؤن متاثرین،آج پنجاب اسمبلی کے سامنے احتجاج ریو اولمپکس گیمز 2016کاباقاعدہ آغاز بارش کی تباہی، مرادہ علی شاہ کی پھرتیاں . malik riaz ملک ریاض لیکس سامنے آ گئیں، اینکر بے نقاب 3 دن پہلے 1 Comment بحریہ ٹاؤن کے چیئرمین ملک ریاض سے کس کس نے پیسے وصول کئے۔۔ یہ ھے پانامہ لیکس کے بعد،ملک ریاض لیکس۔ ذرائع کے مطابق لینڈ مافیا ڈان ملک ریاض نے سوشل میڈیا اور پاکستان کے نوجوان صحافیوں کی جانب سے بحریہ ٹائون کراچی اسکینڈل ، جنگلات کی زمینوں پر قبضے ، نیب کے سابق ڈی جی کی ملی بھگت سے انکوائریوں کو سرخ فیتے کی نذر کرنے سمیت مسلسل تحقیقاتی خبروں کے بعد بھاری رقم دیکر نوازے جانے والے اینکرز، کالمسٹ کے بنک اکائونٹس کی تفصیل اپنے سابقہ ملازم کے ذریعے ایک دفعہ پھر ریلیز کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ ذرائع کے مطابق اس دفعہ جو دستاویزات انٹرنیشنل میڈیا اور سوشل میڈیا پر جاری کی جارہی ہیں ، ان میں جو بنک اکاؤنٹس کی تفصیلات دی گئی ہیں انکے بارے میں تحقیقاتی صحافیوں کو بھی یہ کہا جا رہا ہے کہ وہ بنک اکائونٹس کی تفصیل سے حقائق جان سکتے ہیں۔ ان لیکس میں الزام لگایا گیا ہے کہ مبشر لقمان جب دنیا ٹی وی سے وابستہ تھے تو انہوں نے ملک ریاض سے2کروڑ پچاسی لاکھ روپے تین اقساط میں وصول کئے اور یہ رقم نیشنل بنک کے اکاؤنٹ کے ذریعے مبشر لقمان کو ٹرانسفر کی گئی جبکہ ایک مرسیڈیز بنز بھی تحفہ کے طور پر دی گئی۔ mubashir-luqman اسی طرح قوم کو سچ کا بھاشن دیتے نا تھکنے والے ڈاکٹر شاہد مسعود کے متعلق دعویٰ کیا گیا ہے. کہ انہوں نے ایک کروڑ سات لاکھ روپے کی پہلی قسط نیشنل بنک کے ذریعے ہی وصول کی جبکہ موصوف نے سات ٹرپ دوبئی کے لگائے جس میں ہوٹل کا سٹے اور کرائے پر کار کی سہولت بھی فراہم کی گئی۔ Dr-Shahid-Masood نجم سیٹھی نے ایک کروڑ 94لاکھ روپے لینڈ مافیا ڈان سے وصول کئے اور موصوف نے تین امریکہ کے دورے اور ہوٹل سٹے کی سہولت بھی حاصل کی انکو یہ رقم ڈی ایچ اے لاہور پاکستان بحریہ ٹاؤن اکاؤنٹ نمبر14/7swift code mucbpkkaa کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ najam sethi کامران خان نے 62لاکھ روپے وصول کئے دو کروڑ اور بحریہ میں گھر کی آفر خود قبول کرنے کی بجائے کسی تھرڈ پارٹی کے ذریعے وصولی کی یہ رقم جو کامران خان کو ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ این آئی بی سی بنک لمیٹیڈ بحریہ ٹاؤن برانچ اکائونٹ نمبر8283982کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ kamran khan معروف کالم نگار اور ہر وقت الفاظ کے تیر برساتے اور خود کو قوم کو مسیحا ثابت کرنے کی ناکام کوشش کرنے والا اور دوسروں کو گریبان دکھانے والا حسن نثار بھی کسی سے پیچھے نہ رہا جنہوں نے ایک کروڑ اور دس لاکھ روپے وصول کئے اور دس مرلے کا بحریہ ٹاؤن میں پلاٹ بھی حاصل کیا انکو جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی اسکا بھی اکاؤنٹ ٹائٹل بحریہ ٹائون پرائیویٹ لمیٹڈ اکاؤنٹ نمبر42279 اور حبیب بنک لمیٹڈ ایل ڈی اے پلازہ برانچ لاہور کوڈ13پندرہ Swift Habbpkkax315 ہے۔ hasan nisar پاکستان کے بڑے اینکر جو جیو ٹیلی ویژن پر بیٹھ کر میڈیا اور قوم کو سچ کا بھاشن دیتے اخلاقیات کی بات کرتے اور اپنے آپ کو دیانتداری کا پیکر سمجھتے ہیں جی ہاں حامد میر جنہوں نے دو کروڑ پچاس لاکھ روپے لینڈ مافیا ڈان سے وصول کئے پانچ کینال کا پلاٹ اسلام آباد میں حاصل کیا انکو جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ این آئی بی سی بنک لمیٹڈ/بحریہ ٹاؤن اکاؤنٹ نمبر82840597کے ذریعے ٹرانسفر کی گئی۔ Hamid Mir پی ایف یو جے کے سابق سیکرٹری صحافیوں کو ضابطہ اخلاق اور دیانتدار ی سکھانے والے سینئر صحافی مظہر عباس بھی کسی سے پیچھے نہیں رہے موصوف نے90لاکھ اور دس مرلے کا پلاٹ لاہور میں حاصل کیا اسلام آباد سے پلاٹ لینے سے شائد وہ اس لئے گریز کر گئے کہ لاہور میں پتہ نہیں چلے گا انہیں جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ ایم سی بی بنک اکائونٹ نمبر 0075232201000124 کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ mazhar abbas مہر بخاری نے شادی ہونے سے قبل ہی اسلام آباد میں ایک کینال کا پلاٹ اور پچاس لاکھ روپے کی سلامی حاصل کرنے میں دیر نہیں لگائی۔ mehir bukhri اسی طرح این جی او مافیا کی کرتا دھرتا ماروی سرمد بھی فیض یاب ہونے والوں میں شامل ہیں انہیں جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ بحریہ ٹاؤن برانچ سے اکائونٹ نمبر8284059کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ marvi-sirmed سینئر صحافی ارشد شریف جن کو ملک ریاض کی خصوصی سفارش پر دنیا ٹی وی میں بیورو چیف کی سیٹ پر تعینات کیا گیا موصوف نے دو اقساط میں پچاسی لاکھ روپے وصول کئے انکو جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ اکائونٹ نمبریوبی ایل اکائونٹ نمبر 37100154کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ arshad sherif عینک لگائے جمہوریت کا لیکچر دینے والے نصرت جاوید بھی 78لاکھ روپے اور ٹیوٹا کرولا کار لینڈ مافیا ڈان سے چپکے سے لے اڑے انہیں جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ مسلم کمرشل بنک Main boulevard DHA لاہور اکاؤنٹ نمبر بحریہ ٹاؤن پرائیویٹ لمیٹڈ 14-swift code MUCBPKKA کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ nusrat javed مسلسل25سال سے پریس کلب کے صدر اور سیکرٹری کے عہدوں پر تعینات رہنے والے میڈیا ٹاؤن کی مرکزی باڈی سے لیکر جموں و کشمیر ہائوسنگ سوسائٹی کے صدر بننے تک بول ٹی وی کو لانچ کرنے کے نام پر شعیب شیخ کو بھی چونا لگانے والے مشتاق منہاس کی دولت کمانے کی ہوس ختم نہیں ہور ہی موصوف نے بھی 55لاکھ روپے دو اقساط میں وصول کرنا ضروری سمجھا انکو یہ رقم بحریہ اکاؤنٹ پرائیویٹ لمیٹڈ کے اکاؤنٹ نمبر51077-6 اور حبیب بنک لمیٹڈ ایل ڈی اے پلازہ برانچ لاہور کوڈ 1315swift HABBPKKAX315 سے کی گئی۔ mushtaq minhas معروف کالم نگار اور اینکر پرسن جاوید چوہدری تو پہلے ہی میڈیا مینجمنٹ کے ماہر ہیں پنجاب حکومت سے لیکر سوشل میڈیا پر بھی رقم کمانے کے فن سے وہ خوب آگاہ ہیں انہون نے تو ملک ریاض سے کالم کے پیسے وصول کرنا ضروری سمجھے جو وہ ملک ریاض کے نام سے انہی کے اخبار روزنامہ جناح میں پبلش کرتے رہے 10مرلے کا بحریہ ٹائون میں گھر اور ملک ریاض کی طرف سے لکھی گئی کتاب بھی موصوف کی کارکردگی تھی اور ان کو جو رقم ایک کروڑ روپے ٹرانسفر کی گئے وہ یو بی ایل اکائونٹ نمبر37100154کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ Javed Chaudhry ثنا بُچّہ بھی کیسے کسی سے پیچھے رہتیں انہوں نے83لاکھ روپے لاہور میں10مرلے کا گھر اور مسلم کمرشل بنک Main boulevard DHA لاہور اکاؤنٹ بحریہ ٹاؤن اکاؤنٹ نمبر14-7swifcode MUCBPKKAA سے کی گئی۔ sana baucha نجم سیٹھی کے ساتھی اینکر منیب فاروق نے بھی سمجھا کہ بہتی گنگا میں وہ بھی ہاتھ دھو لیں موصوف نے بھی پانچ لاکھ روپے دوبئی کا ٹرپ ایک ہفتہ فائیو سٹار ہوٹل میں سٹے حاصل کیا گیا انہیں جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ عسکری بنک کے اکائونٹ نمبر010001011011180 کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ muneeb farooq آفتاب اقبال کو 2010 میں انکا پروگرام جیو ٹیلی ویژن پر خبرناک شروع کرانے میں ملک ریاض نے ہی اہم کردار ادا کیا انہیں ملک ریاض کے علاوہ مسلم لیگ ن کی جانب سے بھی مبینہ طور پر سہولتیں فراہم کی گئیں۔ aftab iqbal ملک ریاض نے ہمیشہ ہارنے اور جیتنے والے دونوں اراکین اسمبلی ہوں وزیراعظم ہوں یا اپوزیشن لیڈر ہوں انکے ساتھ اچھے تعلقات کو ترجیح دی اور مسلم لیگ ن کی امیج بلڈنگ کیلئے آفتاب اقبال کو2010 سے 2012 تک یہ ٹاسک دیا گیا جسکے2کروڑ روپے موصوف نے وصول کئے اور ایک ٹیوٹا جیپ اور ملک ریاض نے ہی بیدیاں روڈ لاہور پر انہیں زمین بھی فارم ہاؤس کیلئے خرید کر دی انہیں جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ بحریہ ٹائون برانچ اکاؤنٹ نمبر3620 سے کی گئی۔ ایک دن جیو کے ساتھ پروگرام کے اینکر سہیل وڑائچ نے بھی ملک ریاض کے ساتھ جو پروگرام کیا اسکے 15لاکھ روپے اور ہنڈا سوک گاڑی حاصل کرنے میں دیر نہیں لگائی انکو جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ بحریہ ٹائون کے اکاؤنٹ نمبر42279-2 سے کی گئی اور اسی طرح حبیب بنک ایل ڈی اے پلازہ برانچ لاہور کوڈ1315 swift HABBPKKAX315 سے کی گئی۔ sohail warriach عاصمہ شیرازی کیسے کسی سے پیچھے رہ سکتی تھیں انہوں نے45لاکھ روپے وصول کئے انہیں جو رقم ٹرانسفر کی گئی وہ بحریہ ٹائون کے اکاؤنٹ نمبر51077-5 اورحبیب بنک ایل ڈی اے پلازہ برانچ لاہور 1315 swift HABBPKKAX315کوڈ کے ذریعے کی گئی۔ عاصمہ شیرازی نے اس خبر کی تردید کرتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ سپریم کورٹ ایسی لسٹوں کو مسترد کرچکی ہے،، وہ، حامد میر، مظہر عباس اور ارشد شریف اس معاملے میں عدالت سے رجوع کرچکے، باقیوں کا انہیں علم نہیں۔ asma sherazi سمیع ابراہیم نے تو امریکہ سے آکر بھی بحریہ ٹاون کے چیئرمین ملک ریاض سے اپنا پورا حصہ وصول کیا موصوف نے ایک کروڑ روپے ایک کینال کا بحریہ ٹائون میں پلاٹ اور ٹیوٹا کرولا گاڑی حاصل کی انہیں یہ رقم KASB بنک بحریہ ٹائون برانچ3710581401hکے ذریعے کی گئی۔ sami ibrahim باوثوق ذرائع کے مطابق بحریہ ٹائون کا سابق ملازم اس بات پر بضد ہے کہ تحقیقاتی صحافت کرنے والے اور نیب، ایف آئی اے اور رینجرز کی مشترکہ ٹیم ان اکائونٹس کی تفصیلات سامنے لائے – نوٹ : سوشل میڈیا کے ذریعے سامنے آنے والے ان الزامات کی تصدیق یا تردید کے حوالے سے کوئی اینکر موقف دینا چاہے تو یہ صفحات حاضر ہیں – شیئرکریں • • • • دیگر خبریں qandeel baloch (2) والد معاف کر دیں گے، آؤ قندیل کو قتل کریں 6 منٹ پہلے cyber-crime-bill--660x330 امریکیوں کا سینیٹ میں آنا کوئی نئی بات نہیں 22 منٹ پہلے COAS Banner 2 موو آن چیئرمین کا مزید جسمانی ریمانڈ 38 منٹ پہلے One comment Pingback: Dunya Today- دنیا ٹوڈے بلاگ / کالم neelum 2 ذلت سے نجات کا کوئی راستہ محنت کشوں کے پاس نہیں ہے! 2 گھنٹے پہلے france فرانس میں اسلام کی اصلاح 24 گھنٹے پہلے shamim ara شمیم آرا کی زندگی پر ایک نظر 1 دن پہلے 05-karoshi موت کی وجہ ’’زیادہ کام‘‘ 2 دن پہلے Asif Ali copy دودھ مینگیاں ڈال کر کیوں؟ 3 دن پہلے ریو اولمپکس 1 گیزلے بینڈن کی اولپمکس واک 55 منٹ پہلے 2016 Rio Olympics - Opening ceremony ریو اولمپکس گیمز 2016کاباقاعدہ آغاز 2 گھنٹے پہلے 2016 Rio Olympics - Opening ceremony ریو اولمپکس کا رنگا رنگ افتتاح 8 گھنٹے پہلے syria اولمپکس میں شرکت کا خواب، شہر کی طرح برباد 14 گھنٹے پہلے google dodle ریو اولمپکس: گوگل نے ڈوڈل جاری کردیا 19 گھنٹے پہلے ملٹی میڈیا بلند عمارتوں پر موت کا کھیل بلند عمارتوں پر موت کا کھیل 12 منٹ پہلے اسٹار وراز، روگ ون کا نیا ٹریلر اسٹار وراز، روگ ون کا نیا ٹریلر 1 گھنٹہ پہلے بحریہ ٹاؤن میں مظاہرین سے مذاکرات، ایکسکلوزو ویڈیو بحریہ ٹاؤن میں مظاہرین سے مذاکرات، ایکسکلوزو ویڈیو 1 گھنٹہ پہلے تازہ ترین qandeel baloch (2) والد معاف کر دیں گے، آؤ قندیل کو قتل کریں 6 منٹ پہلے بلند عمارتوں پر موت کا کھیل بلند عمارتوں پر موت کا کھیل 12 منٹ پہلے cyber-crime-bill--660x330 امریکیوں کا سینیٹ میں آنا کوئی نئی بات نہیں 22 منٹ پہلے varun ورن کی دھشوم کامیاب، گرل فرینڈ کے ساتھ سیلفی 30 منٹ پہلے COAS Banner 2 موو آن چیئرمین کا مزید جسمانی ریمانڈ 38 منٹ پہلے آپ کی رائے rasheed مت بول کہ لب قید ہیں تیرے 2 دن پہلے M R MALIK طاہر القادری کی تحریک قصاص 4 دن پہلے amamr سندھ سندھی ھندوئن سان تھیندڑ ظلم 6 دن پہلے neelum مسیحا مٹی کے بےزبان دیکھے ہیں 7 دن پہلے ڈاکٹر آن لائن فیس بک فیس بک ٹوئٹر یوٹیوب رابطہ کریں صفحہ اول موسم کھیل By Web Desk Published: March 28, 2015 1 SHARES Share Tweet Email Riaz’s legal adviser says after examining court's detailed verdict, Bahria Town will file an appeal. PHOTO COURTESY: PAKISTAN TODAY RAWALPINDI: A court in Rawalpindi accepted the petition of naval subsidiary Bahria Foundation to restrain business tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain’s from using the name ‘Bahria’ for his housing society. The court handed down a verdict in the over a decade old case filed in 2002. Riaz’s legal adviser, Qaiser Qadeer Qureshi, said that so far the court announced a short order and are awaiting a detailed verdict. “After examining that, Bahria Town will file an appeal”, he told a local newspaper. According to the details of the case, Hussain Global – a property firm linked to Malik Riaz – signed an agreement with the Bahria Foundation in 1996 to set up Bahria Town. Under the agreement, Riaz signed with the foundation, the naval subsidiary was offered a 10 per cent share for the use of the name ‘Bahria’ for the private housing scheme. The remaining was to be divided between Hussain Global, Malik Riaz and his family members. In the year 2000, the foundation asked Riaz not to use the ‘Bahria’ name for his housing society and on Feb 24 of the same year, the property mogul signed an agreement with the Bahria Foundation to the same effect. However, in 2002, Malik Riaz obtained a stay order from a local court, alleging that Bahria Foundation has forced him to sign the agreement. Since then, the multi-million tycoon expanded his housing project manifold and, to date, has sold a massive number of housing and commercial units in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Real estate: Abu Dhabi Group to invest $45 billion in Pakistan

Real estate: Abu Dhabi Group to invest $45 billion in Pakistan Malik Riaz of Bahria Group signs contra­ct to bring record foreig­n invest­ment into the countr­y. By Our CorrespondentPublished: February 16, 2013 Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan and Malik Riaz sign the investment agreement in Abu Dhabi. PHOTO: PRESS RELEASE ABU DHABI: Former chairman and present consultant of Bahria Town, Malik Riaz Hussain has signed an agreement with His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan, Chairman Abu Dhabi Group, Union National Bank and United Bank Limited under which $45 billion will be invested in Pakistan. The investment will be made in various construction projects, and is the biggest-ever foreign investment in Pakistan. Out of the total investment value, $10 billion will be invested in Islamabad and Lahore whereas $35 billion will be invested in Sindh. These projects also include the construction of the tallest building of the world (Taller than Burj Khalifa, Dubai) in Karachi. Moreover, the project encompasses sports city, educational and medical city, international city and media city. The project also includes the construction of miniatures of the Seven Wonders of the World. These projects will employ more than 2.5 million people and will boost more than 55 industries like cement, bricks, iron, steel and glass. Moreover these projects are expected to represent all the social classes of society and middle-class and lower-middle class will have equal representation. The agreement will have a revolutionary impact on not only Pakistan’s economy but also the tourism of the country and will be a milestone in reviving the lights of Karachi. Speaking on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan said that Bahria Town not only represents modern Pakistan but is also a credible, respected and authentic name in the real estate sector the world-over. “I am genuinely happy that in this historic project of Pakistan we are working with the visionary Malik Riaz Hussain, this guarantees that not only the project will be delivered beyond our expectations but also before time. We will Inshallah be welcoming first residents in next 3-4 years.” Malik Riaz expressed his pleasure at the signing and said that it was a matter of great pride to be part of this project as such a huge amount of foreign investment has never been made before. A distinguished feature of this project is the utilisation of seawater to produce electricity. The projects will have their own grid station. Moreover, a separate modern water treatment plant will be established to convert seawater into drinking water. These features make this a landmark project in Pakistan, which addresses the current water and electricity issues of the country. The Abu Dhabi Group has previously made huge and successful investments in Pakistan by the establishment of Bank Alfalah, Warid Telecom and Wateen Telecom. Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2013. ==== Abu Dhabi lays foundations for mammoth Pakistan property project Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak al-Nahayan applauds the top three riders during the prize-giving ceremony of the Global Champions Tour 2011 at the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi November 26, 2011. Credit: Reuters/Martin Dokoupil ABU DHABI | Sun Feb 17, 2013 6:44am EST ABU DHABI (Reuters) - A member of Abu Dhabi's royal family says he plans to spend $45 billion over up to 15 years on a real estate project in Karachi, touted in Pakistan as the country's biggest ever foreign investment. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak al-Nahayan said the investment plans - which his business partner in Pakistan said on Friday included the tallest building in the world - were at a very early stage. Sheikh Nahayan, chairman of conglomerate Abu Dhabi Group, said his privately-owned construction firm, Dhabi Contracting, had signed a memorandum of understanding with Pakistani real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain to build residential properties on an island in Karachi. "We have signed an MoU but a lot of studies will still have to be done," he told Reuters on Sunday on the sidelines of a defense industry exhibition in the United Arab Emirates capital. Nahayan, who is also the UAE's minister for higher education, gave no details of how he would finance such huge developments, beyond saying it could be done through loans or cash. "It will be in phases. Every phase will be studied by itself... It depends on the situation when we decide to go ahead with the projects." Abu Dhabi Group, which invests in emerging markets, already has large investments in Pakistan including Bank Alfalah (BAFL.KA), Warid Telecom, Al Razi Healthcare and Wateen Telecom. A statement issued in Pakistan on Friday said the deal had the potential to transform the south of the country. Karachi, the country's commercial hub, is known for its violent crime, which claims about a dozen lives a day, the risk of being kidnapped and crumbling infrastructure. The deal included plans to construct a miniature seven wonders of the world, the tallest building in the world, a sports city, an education and medical city, an international city and a media city, according to the press release. Sheikh Nahayan said on Sunday that a final decision to build the world's tallest tower had not been made, adding that developments would be mainly residential. The tallest tower currently is the Burj Khalifa, built in Dubai at a cost of $1.5 billion. (Reporting by Raissa Kasolowsky; Writing by Amran Abocar; Editing by John Stonestreet) =================== Pakistan’s 1st Island City: Bahria Town signs $20b deal with US tycoon Projec­t will genera­te 2.5m jobs, boost 55 indust­ries, house 1m people. By Our CorrespondentPublished: March 12, 2013 US real estate tycoon Thomas Kramer and Bahria Town former chairman Malik Riaz shake hands after signing a $20 billion agreement for Pakistan’s first ever island city. ISLAMABAD: American real-estate tycoon Thomas Kramer and Bahria Town CEO Ahmed Ali Riaz Malik signed a $20 billion agreement for Pakistan’s first-ever Island City, Bundal & Buddo Islands, Karachi. A joint consortium of international investors will join hands to develop this project and the deal with Kramer is the first level of this agreement. Announcement of other global investors from the Middle East and around the globe will be made soon. Covering 12,000 acres of land, this project will be developed in a span of 5-10 years but the residential communities will start being handed over to people in 2016. The global attractions of the project comprise world’s tallest building, world’s largest shopping mall, sports city, educational & medical city, international city and a media city – all having the most modern facilities and amenities and the most advanced infrastructure. Island City will be connected to the DHA Karachi via a six-lane modern bridge. The entire city will be a ‘high security zone’, having its own drinking water (converting seawater into drinking water) and power generation plants to enable it to be self-sufficient in electricity. The project will have mosques, cinemas, spas, golf clubs, school, hospital and other global standard amenities to furnish a modern lifestyle. Speaking on the occasion, Thomas Kramer said, “I have full confidence in the people and economy of Pakistan. In 1970 when I started my project in Germany it was the worst era of their history. Likewise when Miami Beach project was started, the area was in full control of Cuban criminals, different mafias and gangsters. Dead bodies used to be scattered on the beaches. I completed my projects successfully. Today they are the world’s most secure and advanced regions. “Current situation in Pakistan is much better than those areas. I am confident that this project along with boosting the economy will also eradicate terrorism from Pakistan. This is a once in a lifetime chance to bring Pakistan back on the map to the leading nations in the world.” The current consultant and former chairman of Bahria Town, Malik Riaz Hussain, said, “Our slogan is ‘Bahria Town Commits – Bahria Town Delivers’ and Alhamdulillah we have fulfilled all our promises made with Pakistan and Pakistanis. We know that the construction sector has played a key role in transforming the USA, Malaysia, Japan, Turkey and Germany into developed nations. In the same manner, Insha Allah, Pakistan will also become a developed nation, which is our vision. This project will not only provide 2.5 million jobs but will help revive 55 national industries and provide housing to 1 million Pakistanis. It will also help eliminate terrorism and crimes.” Thomas Kramer is a visionary businessman commonly known as TK. He surveyed an island hideout of Cuban pirates in 1991-92 and later on developed it into the present day Miami Beach, which is one of the biggest international tourist destinations today. He is specialist in building skyscrapers in coastal areas. His company has successfully constructed several projects around the globe. A spokesman for Bahria Town said that it’s an honour to join hands with a visionary developer of Kramer’s caliber. Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2013. ======================

A visit to Chaudry's heartland in Punjab

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Its high time to invest in Canadian Properties, while Tahirul Qadri blocked way to Parliament. ============== CDA misappropriations: Rapid construction on a controversial plot worries commission By Obaid Abbasi / Photo: Obaid Abbasi Published: January 19, 2013 The under-construction plaza in Karachi Company in G-9 is built on a plot that was allegedly auctioned for much lower than its value. PHOTO: OBAID ABBASI/EXPRESS ISLAMABAD: A judicial commission on Friday raised serious concerns over the rapid construction on a controversial commercial plot in Karachi Company, G-9. The plot, valued at Rs700 million, was allotted for a mere Rs200 million, according to official sources. The plot was originally allotted to renowned comedian and film star Rangeela for a cinema house. The allotment was cancelled after the celebrity failed to pay up. Following the cancellation, the CDA Board changed the status of the plot to commercial and re-auctioned it for a plaza. The plaza is currently being rapidly constructed, which may, in future, allow the owner to find a legal loophole to pay less for the project even if misappropriations are proved and the plot re-auctioned. A CDA official said that a VIP personality from the ruling party is secretly behind the project. He said that in June last year, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had taken into custody the complete records pertaining to the plot. On Friday, the three-member judicial commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Sardar Raza Khan heard the case in-camera (no access to media) and recorded statements. The judicial commission was formed in November 2012 to prepare a report on about 600 cases pertaining to CDA pending in the Islamabad High Court. Two retired sessions’ judges, Sakhi Muhammad Kahut and Baqir Ali Rana, are the other two judges in the commission. The commission was to be compensated Rs5 million for three months of work. But sources say that it is unlikely the commission will be able to complete its report in the stipulated time. The commission has advertised in various newspapers asking people to come forward and record their statements. So far, an official familiar with the sessions said, four people have recorded their statements. Commission Secretary Pervez Qadir Memon confirmed that the commission on Friday was concerned over the rapid construction on the commercial plot. So far, he added, more than 70 employees and officials from CDA have recorded their statements. The commission has completed hearings for Monal Restaurant at Pir Sohawa, IJP Road from Faizabad to Pirwadhai, Park Tower land allotment, LED streetlight project and Kuri Model Village. Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2013. ===========

The invaders

The invaders Kalbe Ali | 9 hours ago The rising demand for housing in and around the capital has triggered off a race to develop land commercially through fair means or foul. Whose paradise? Murree tehsil is one of the worst hit areas in this regard where high-rise apartments and commercial buildings have mushroomed on community-owned land. Known as shamlat, this land is the common property of villagers and the locals living in the vicinity — meant for grazing animals, building graveyards and as a source of water and wood. Widespread development, surface runoff from snow melt and rainfall, the cutting down of trees and the addition of paved surfaces could all prove hazardous to the catchment areas for the Rawal, Simly and Mangla dams. Pollution caused by sewage flowing down the hills remains a growing concern among residents who are surprised at the flouting of laws related to the Pakistan Environment Protection Act, 1997. Using his political clout, MNA Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has been able to somewhat reduce the mad rush of the wealthy from all over the country who are desirous of buying property for a house or a flat in Murree. “Every piece of available land is not meant for development. Until 1999, only one no-objection certificate (NOC) for a housing society was granted by the interim government for Judicial Town. Following that scores of NOCs for housing societies were issued,” Abbasi said. “The Musharraf regime abolished the Murree-Kahuta Development Authority (MKDA) which restricted the construction of buildings, and presently there might be more buildings than trees in Murree.” The godfathers The land acquisition business is reputedly orchestrated by a mere handful of powerful individuals with links within the political, religious and ruling elites. They have contacts in the police department and act as subcontractors for almost every large property builder. These have a strong network of ‘touts’ who keep an eye on ace plots and property to be captured. Then, there’s a second line of command that makes a meagre offer to the owners and has the purchase legalised. One of them is reputed to use trigger-happy fugitives from all over Punjab which come into action when people resist the offers made by the second line of command; such people are then subjected to the loss of land, police wrath and court hassles. Yet there are no more than a dozen police complaints against such individuals. The widely held perception amongst people as well as parts of officialdom is that among the ringleaders of such activities are Malik Riaz, chairman of Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd and land acquirer Taji Khokhar, who manipulate the system; nothing, however, has so far been proved in court. One large private land development group in particular has become controversial because of its acquisitions. Local people have objections regarding the way the land has been acquired, although it is difficult for them to prove anything in court. They allege that the group grabs land with the help of frontmen, and that people have received hefty amounts for selling their own land as well as shamlat after manipulating documents. An inquiry conducted on the directives of the Supreme Court by Mazhar Hussain Minhas, a district and sessions judge, Islamabad, in 2009-2010, stated that M/s Bahria Town used their own manpower to forcibly occupy lands which were not even acquired by DHA. The inquiry report also mentions the names of police officers and the police station that covers a large rural area and states that the Islamabad police, particularly Sihala PS, was completely under the influence and control of Malik Riaz, chairman of Bahria Town. The report stated, “Like the police, the revenue department is completely under the control of Malik Riaz. Revenue officers/officials of his choice are posted in the areas where housing projects of Bahria Town have been established, blindly following his dictates.” Yet despite and scores of cases against Malik Riaz and Bahria Town in the apex court, there is no police record against him and the lack of strong evidence remains a serious challenge for the prosecutors.

‘Evidence’ arrives: Malik Riaz to appear before court today: Symbiosis between money and politics undermines democracy

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. = 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. === 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. === 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. === ALERT Supreme Court orders action against Arsalan Iftikhar, Malik Riaz, Salman Ahmed By Mirza Hassan - Jun 14th, 2012 (2 Comments) 8 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. === Twitter abuzz with #gates after Mehar Bukhari, Mubashir Luqman fiasco By Shahab Nafees - Jun 15th, 2012 (6 Comments) 32 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 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite 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 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite 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 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite 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 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite Rasikh Mashhadi @rasikh Jin ko tha Zubaan pay Naaz ... Chup hain woh zuban daraz ... @MubasherLucman #meharbukhari #anchorgate #bahriagate 15 Jun 12 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite Syed Haris Izhar @Harisizhar #MeharBukhari ke shakal main #AmirLiquat nazar aa raha hai :P 15 Jun 12 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite 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 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite 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 * Reply * Retweet * Favorite 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 === 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/ === 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. === 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. == A short history of Mehar Bukhari By Ahmed Rayyan - Jun 17th, 2012 (4 Comments) 14 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. === ALERT Social media power: Malik Riaz becomes active on Facebook By Ahmed Rayyan - Jun 17th, 2012 (2 Comments) 5 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. == After losing paid agent Mubashir Luqman, Shujaat puts up defence of family friend By Abdul Hafeez - Jun 16th, 2012 (No Comment) 6 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? === 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. = 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 * Comments (0) * Share * o o o 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 == # 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. Recommend5 # Sky 21 hours ago Reply Buy the fear. Good time to buy. – investor Recommend6 # roadkashehzada 20 hours ago Reply so wht does this report suggests??? proceedings against riaz thekedaar is hurting public interest?? Recommend14 # 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 Recommend9 # Ajamal 19 hours ago Reply 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. Recommend2 # Baba Ji 17 hours ago Reply Time to buy !!!!!!Recommend6 # Ahmad 17 hours ago Reply 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? Recommend5 # KB 17 hours ago Reply @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. Recommend4 # KB 17 hours ago Reply @Ajamal: Behavioural Finance sure had some concepts that were relevant. The market react to such news which is normal. Recommend # Hemant 16 hours ago Reply @Raj: The report nowhere indicates the price of the 605 yard plot , what it states that the price has declined by 2 lacs . Recommend8 # Hunter Punter 16 hours ago Reply 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. Recommend2 # MB 16 hours ago Reply So now the people will flock to buy plots in Bahria Town which will increase the prices. Simple economics.Recommend5 # Rhazes 15 hours ago Reply @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. Recommend6 # Nadir 15 hours ago Reply 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! Recommend1 # Aziz 14 hours ago Reply 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. Recommend1 # Ashraf P 13 hours ago Reply 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. Recommend # Mian Allah Yar Ahmed 12 hours ago Reply 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 # Muhammed 11 hours ago Reply 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 Recommend1 == Mehar Bukhari must quit TV By Dr Ghayur Ayub - Jun 18th, 2012 (2 Comments) 6 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. == 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. === 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. === 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. ========