A local court declared property magnate Malik Riaz Hussain and his son, Ali Riaz Malik, proclaimed offenders on Thursday in two high-profile money laundering cases, ordering authorities to immediately block their national identity cards and mobile SIMs.

The declaration was issued by the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad, marking a significant development in the investigation into the alleged illicit transfer of Bahria Town funds overseas through unlawful financial channels. The court’s directive also applies to other absconding accused in the case.

This judicial action follows recent assertions by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who stated that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had unearthed substantial evidence during its inquiry. The minister claimed the evidence pointed to corruption and illicit financial activities involving Bahria Town and Malik Riaz, with transactions exceeding Rs1.12 billion.

Minister Tarar provided details on the alleged scheme, suggesting that Bahria Town utilized its Safari Hospital as a facade to hide records and cash. He further alleged that hospital ambulances were repurposed to transport sensitive documents and money, in an effort to evade scrutiny.

According to the information minister, some employees of the real estate giant attempted to destroy evidence by setting records on fire. However, the FIA successfully intervened and secured most of the crucial material, which reportedly pertains to illegal hundi and hawala networks used for transferring funds abroad.

Mr. Tarar emphasized that the government’s crackdown is precisely targeted at individuals directly implicated in the unlawful financial dealings. He also offered reassurance that the rights of residents and investors in Bahria Town projects would be safeguarded throughout the legal proceedings.