Property tycoon Malik Riaz has warned that Bahria Town might soon shut down across Pakistan. His statement follows a wave of government actions, including the freezing of bank accounts, arrest of employees, and the scheduled auction of his assets by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Riaz Speaks Out About Mounting Pressure
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Riaz expressed his frustration at what he described as relentless pressure from institutions. He said:
“Our cash flow has been completely destroyed. It has become impossible to provide daily services. We are unable to pay salaries to our tens of thousands of staff. The situation has reached a point where we are being forced to completely shut down all Bahria Town activities across Pakistan.”
He added that dozens of employees have been detained, staff vehicles seized, and operations disrupted. According to Riaz, these moves are making it impossible to run daily affairs.
Bahria Town at a Breaking Point
Riaz admitted that Bahria Town is only one step away from full closure. He warned that conditions on the ground are worsening every minute.
The real estate giant, which has developed large housing societies in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, employs thousands and serves millions. A shutdown could affect investors, homeowners, contractors, and service providers.
NAB to Auction Malik Riaz’s Assets
Earlier on the same day, NAB announced its decision to auction high-profile properties owned by Riaz. The auction will take place on August 7, 2025. These actions stem from long-standing investigations into land-related corruption and money laundering.
NAB claims the auction is part of recovery efforts. Legal experts believe that some of the properties include prime commercial and residential land developed under Bahria Town projects.
Operations Severely Disrupted
Riaz stated that Bahria Town’s operations have suffered extensive setbacks. Freezing of company accounts has halted financial transactions. Without funds, the company cannot pay employees, complete construction projects, or maintain essential services.
Basic services such as garbage collection, electricity management, and security are now at risk. Many employees are already reporting delays in salary disbursement.
“These measures are not just affecting me—they are hurting thousands of families who depend on Bahria Town for livelihood and shelter,” Riaz said.
Public Concerns Grow
The public reaction has been swift. Residents living in Bahria Town societies have raised concerns about their investments, ongoing services, and legal ownership status. Many fear that their life savings could be at risk.
Social media platforms are flooded with posts from worried homeowners and real estate agents seeking answers.
Industry Experts Call for Mediation
Real estate analysts have urged the government to open dialogue before the situation escalates further. They believe that while accountability is important, a balance must be maintained to avoid economic shock.
“This is not just about one businessman. If Bahria Town collapses, it will impact the entire real estate sector and erode investor confidence,” said a senior analyst.
Some experts are also warning that banks, especially those offering mortgages in Bahria Town projects, could suffer losses if the market crashes.
Critics Say No One Is Above the Law
However, not everyone agrees with Riaz’s narrative. Critics argue that legal investigations must continue, regardless of the company’s size. They see the public warnings as an attempt to apply pressure and delay legal accountability.
“This looks like a well-timed PR campaign to influence public opinion,” commented a legal expert in Islamabad.
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What Happens Next?
With the NAB auction just around the corner, the next few days could decide the future of Bahria Town. Malik Riaz has called on authorities to intervene, asking them to consider the impact on ordinary people.
There has been no official response from government departments or NAB about Riaz’s statement.
