Islamabad Court Convicts Bahria Town Aide
In a landmark ruling on Saturday, an Islamabad court convicted retired Colonel Khalil-ur-Rehman in a high-profile money laundering case linked to the Bahria Town real estate conglomerate. Additional District and Sessions Judge Nasr Minallah Baloch announced the sentence after thoroughly examining evidence presented by the Federal Investigation Agency. The court sentenced the retired officer to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. He has long been regarded as a trusted associate and operational frontman for Bahria Town founder Malik Riaz. In addition to jail, the judge imposed a fine of Rs25 million. If he fails to pay, the court will add one more month of simple imprisonment. Moreover, the court ordered the confiscation of various assets, primarily properties and vehicles, which prosecutors argued Colonel Khalil-ur-Rehman purchased using illegal funds.
Allegations and Investigation
The FIA’s Anti-Money Laundering Circle registered the case. It focused on allegations that Colonel Khalil-ur-Rehman secretly transferred around Rs1.6 billion overseas. Investigators explained a complex scheme involving layered transactions, third-party intermediaries, and informal hawala channels to hide the source and destination of the money. Much of the money allegedly went into foreign property acquisitions tied directly to Malik Riaz. The court stated that these actions deliberately breached the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2010. They also undermined Pakistan’s financial system and economic transparency.
Absence of the Accused
Interestingly, the accused was not present when the court announced the sentence. Sources close to the matter suggest he may have taken steps to avoid immediate arrest after the decision.
Broader Implications
This conviction marks an important step in the authorities’ ongoing campaign against alleged financial misconduct within the powerful Bahria Town network. Meanwhile, parallel investigations continue. Malik Riaz and several family members have already been declared proclaimed offenders in related cases. Furthermore, the FIA is working to trace, freeze, and recover disputed assets while the public and institutions closely scrutinize the group’s financial operations.
