An accountability court in Islamabad has sentenced Khalil-ur-Rehman, Chief Operating Officer of Bahria Town, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a major money laundering case.
The verdict was announced by Nasr Minallah under the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010. The court also imposed a fine of Rs25 million and ordered the confiscation of all assets owned by the convict.
Rs1.6 Billion Money Laundering Scheme
According to court records, the case involved approximately Rs1.6 billion allegedly transferred through complex financial transactions.
The court observed that the accused used structured fund transfers, financial layering, and third parties to conceal illegal money, describing the scheme as a serious financial crime.
Investigations revealed that funds were allegedly transferred abroad through hawala and hundi networks, which prosecutors said had been operating since 2007.
Other Accused Declared Proclaimed Offenders
The case also named Malik Riaz, Ali Riaz, and Shahid Qureshi, who have already been declared proclaimed offenders by the court.
Assets Ordered to be Confiscated
The court ordered the seizure of several assets linked to Khalil-ur-Rehman, including:
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Six vehicles – three Toyota Corolla cars, two Toyota Land Cruisers, and one Mercedes
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330 kanals of land in Gujar Khan
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Residential properties in Bahria Town, DHA Quetta, DHA Gujranwala, and DHA Peshawar
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Two apartments in Karachi, including a two-bedroom and a four-bedroom flat
Investigators also found that the accused maintained six bank accounts in Askari Bank, Allied Bank, and Meezan Bank.
Convict Not Present in Court
Colonel (Retd.) Khalil-ur-Rehman was not present in court when the verdict was announced and reportedly evaded arrest, according to court officials.
Court’s Remarks
In its ruling, the court stated that money laundering and illegal financial transfers through hawala and hundi networks pose a serious threat to Pakistan’s economy and financial system.
The court emphasized that strict legal action against financial crimes is essential to safeguard economic stability in the country.
