Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Malik Riaz, the central character of alleged graft case of Arsalan Iftikhar, on Tuesday appeared before the media and questioned the transparency of suo moto notice hearing against the son of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, SAMAA reports.

Carrying the holy Quran in his hand and using harsh words against the judiciary, the business tycoon spoke at a crowded press conference in an aggressive tone, directly hitting the CJP and Supreme Court.

“I want answers of three questions from the CJP. He should tell the nation that how many times he met me in the darkness,” questioned Riaz who is also chairman Behria Foundation Ltd.

“Arsalan Iftikhar and serving Registrar of the Supreme Court was also present in the meetings,” he claimed, and said “Our common friend had informed the CJP about misdeeds of his son but Mr. Chaudhry didn’t take any action.”

Though, he didn’t elaborate why the meetings took place, neither presented any document before the media.

Between the lines, Riaz admitted spending money to get someone’s favour.

“There is a difference between ransom and the bribe…I was blackmailed by those who enjoy powers in judiciary. I haven’t ever bribed to anyone.”

Later, in a statement, Registrar of the apex court, gave explanation of the meeting, saying that the CJP had met Riaz during the period of suspension.

“The CJP was being persuaded to meet the President Asif Ali Zardari and accept a bullet-proof vehicle by Malik Raiz, which he flatly declined,” the statement said.

Riaz further said “I respect the CJP and solemnly say that President Zardari had forbidden me from speaking against the judiciary.”

He accused Arsalan Iftikhar of influencing the court. “Arsalan is running the Supreme Court like a don.”

He claimed that bigwigs tried to implicate him. “I keep so many secrets probably therefore FIA was directed to file a murder case against me.”

He said “75 percent of my assets are being used for a common man, but the court in harming my business, the court will solely be responsible if my business was ruined.”

“My only mistake is to provide facilities to masses and build housing schemes.”

Riaz faced fiery questions hurled by the reporters, but evaded many of them, concluding his press conference in less than 35 minutes, but vowed that he would unveil more things in press conference after three days.

Earlier today, the real estate tycoon arrived in the apex court after his arrival from London where he has been for few days for ‘heart treatment’.

In a statement Riaz said that he spent a total amount of Rs342.5 million on chief justice’s son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar.

He said that he paid for the two trips Dr Iftikhar had made to London – one with his family and the other with a friend.

Riaz claimed that he also rented out a Range Rover for Dr Iftikhar while he stayed in London.

Yesterday, Dr. Arsalan filed a plea at the SC to register an FIR against Malik Riaz for defaming him. -- SAMAA