The Accountability Court in Karachi has issued a significant order in the case involving Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz, summoning him and other key accused through newspaper advertisements after repeated failures to appear before the court.

The notice, issued on Monday, directs Malik Riaz, his son Ali Riaz, son-in-law Zain Malik, and other co-accused to present themselves before the court and submit their response by July 15 in connection with the ongoing proceedings regarding confiscation of their properties.

The development comes after the director general (DG) NAB Karachi issued an order to confiscate properties owned by Malik Riaz and others involved in the case. The National Accountability Bureau’s Special Public Prosecutor has referred the matter to the court for confirmation of the confiscation order.

According to NAB officials, the accused are facing a reference related to the illegal allotment of government land for Bahria Town Karachi, which remains under trial. Despite being served multiple notices previously, Malik Riaz and the other accused have failed to appear in court, prompting the court to take strict action.

In addition to the latest notice, the court has also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the accused as a result of their continued absence from legal proceedings.

“This is a serious matter involving the unlawful allotment of valuable state land. The court is committed to ensuring accountability, regardless of the stature of those involved,” a NAB official said while requesting anonymity.