Islamabad, January 23, 2025: Senior journalist Kashif Rafiq has revealed that “Malik Leaks,” akin to the infamous Panama Papers, are expected to surface in the coming days. Speaking to a private news channel, he hinted at the prospect of a series of revelations, which Malik Riaz himself alluded to in a recent tweet.
According to Rafiq, Malik Riaz, the controversial real estate tycoon, has claimed to possess evidence of favors granted to influential individuals over the past 25-30 years. These revelations are anticipated to implicate figures from politics, business, and journalism, raising concerns among those who might be exposed.
Responding to questions, Kashif Rafiq highlighted that Malik Riaz continues to evade Pakistani authorities, with his return from Dubai remaining uncertain. Declared an absconder by the courts, Riaz faces multiple cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other judicial bodies, including the high-profile £190 million scandal.
In this case, where former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have already been sentenced, Malik Riaz has been identified as the primary beneficiary. Permanent arrest warrants were issued against him during the hearings. However, Riaz is not alone in evading accountability; former cabinet members Shehzad Akbar and Zulfi Bukhari are also reportedly abroad.
Kashif Rafiq noted that the scandal has reignited focus on Malik Riaz’s extensive legal troubles, including cases related to Bahria Town that are pending in the Supreme Court. Previously, former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar imposed a fine of 400 billion rupees on Riaz in connection with these controversies.
The situation has sparked public debate over what many are calling “selective justice.” Critics argue that while Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have faced legal consequences, Malik Riaz continues to live freely in Dubai, despite being a central figure in the scandal.
Kashif Rafiq stated that the silence surrounding Malik Riaz’s case has raised questions about the influence he wields and the protection he appears to enjoy. Legal experts and activists have emphasized the need for transparency and equal accountability under the law.
“The selective nature of justice in Pakistan has not gone unnoticed,” Rafiq said, adding that many are questioning how individuals like Malik Riaz, who amass immense wealth and evade national laws, can continue to live comfortably abroad. He stressed that justice demands Riaz be brought before the courts to answer for his actions, including allegations of withholding evidence and threatening others.
