The £190 million (equivalent to 65,297,490,000 PKR) returned by the UK government belonged to the State Bank of Pakistan, not the Supreme Court. Yet, then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, acting as if he were Malik Riaz’s employee, used this money to pay off Riaz’s fines to the Supreme Court. What is happening here?
Imran Khan’s decision to use taxpayer funds to settle Malik Riaz’s fines is a deeply unethical and unacceptable act. Malik Riaz, who has acquired land worth 10,000 billion PKR, faces billions in penalties imposed by the Supreme Court. Public funds, returned to Pakistan through proper legal channels by the UK, were misused to resolve the legal liabilities of a wealthy businessman. This represents an astonishing level of negligence and raises critical questions about the misuse of public resources.
This action highlights a glaring lack of transparency and accountability within the government. Citizens are justifiably outraged that their hard-earned money—funds that should have been directed towards vital public services such as education, healthcare, or infrastructure—is instead being used to solve the legal problems of a billionaire. When those in power disregard ethical governance, their priorities become blatantly distorted.
This situation reflects a systemic issue of corruption that has plagued Pakistan for decades. The collusion between powerful businessmen and politicians often leads to the exploitation of public resources, where the needs of the many are sacrificed for the convenience of a privileged few. It is high time that citizens demand accountability and hold their leaders to a standard that prioritizes public welfare over personal gain or preferential treatment.
Imran Khan’s actions undermine his proclaimed commitment to justice and reform. Worse, they set a dangerous precedent for future governments, allowing corruption to continue unchecked and further eroding public trust in the system.
It is imperative to bring Malik Riaz to justice. The fines and cases against him must not be reduced to mere formalities; he must face strict legal consequences to set an example. Citizens must mobilize against such unethical practices and advocate for a fair distribution of resources that serves all citizens, not just an elite minority.
Now is the time to ensure justice, restore public trust, and make the welfare of Pakistan’s people the ultimate priority. Malik Riaz must be held accountable, and this cycle of corruption must end for the nation to move forward.