Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar announced on Wednesday that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered undeniable evidence during a recent raid at Safari Hospital.
The hospital was allegedly being used as a front to conceal records related to the laundering of Rs 1.12 billion by Malik Riaz and Bahria Town.
According to the minister, the FIA discovered critical documents during the legally conducted operation, which clearly demonstrate the involvement of Malik Riaz and Bahria Town staff in large-scale corruption and money laundering activities.
Tarar revealed that the Safari Hospital served as a cover to store these incriminating records, lamenting that the documents were being transported in ambulances to avoid detection.
During the raid, the FIA team caught Bahria Town employees attempting to destroy the records by burning them, though a substantial portion of the documents was salvaged. He questioned why there would be any need to destroy such evidence if no wrongdoing had occurred.
The minister confirmed that Khalil, who acted as a frontman managing Bahria Town’s illicit affairs, has been taken into custody. The evidence links key figures including Bahria Town’s Chief Financial Officer Amir Rashid and Head Shahid Qureshi, along with a hawala and hundi network operated by individuals named Imran and Qaiser. This network is believed to have facilitated the transfer of funds outside Pakistan.
Tarar emphasized that this case reveals a massive money laundering scheme, and the current discovery marks just the beginning of the investigation. He anticipates that further inquiries will uncover sums exceeding Rs 1.12 billion. The FIA continues to pursue those who have absconded in connection with this case, urging them to turn themselves in.
Describing the scandal as a major corruption affair, the minister said forensic examination of the burnt records will proceed and is expected to shed more light on the matter. He also criticized those involved for attempting to portray themselves as victims despite causing significant financial harm to the country.
Tarar reassured the public that the government is committed to safeguarding the rights of Bahria Town residents, clarifying that the crackdown targets only Malik Riaz and the individuals implicated in the money laundering operation.