Pakistan police have initiated preparations to arrest Malik Riaz, a billionaire businessman who currently holds UAE citizenship. This development occurs at a time when diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan are strained. The Pakistani government has formally contacted Interpol to secure the arrest of Riaz, while following the repayment of its debt to the UAE, the Pakistani administration is now moving to apprehend the prominent real estate tycoon, and the police have already commenced the necessary legal procedures for this action.
Al-Qadir Trust Case and Legal Proceedings
Malik Riaz, who originally hails from Pakistan, faces serious corruption charges in the Al-Qadir Trust case, while pakistan police have reached out to Interpol to facilitate his return from Dubai. According to Al Arabiya, the police have requested Interpol's assistance in executing the arrest. Authorities stated that a non-bailable warrant has been issued against Malik Riaz by a Pakistani court, providing the legal basis for seeking international cooperation in his apprehension.
Profile of Billionaire Malik Riaz
At one point, Malik Riaz was ranked among Pakistan's top industrialists. He's a prominent real estate developer who manages his business operations from Dubai. During Imran Khan's tenure as Prime Minister, Riaz invested heavily in various projects across Pakistan. His company was the driving force behind the massive Bahria Town project, while riaz's total net worth is estimated at 2 billion dollars. In 2025, it was revealed that Malik Riaz and his entire family had acquired UAE citizenship.
Deteriorating UAE-Pakistan Relations
Relations between Pakistan and the UAE have been on a downward trajectory. Earlier this year, Pakistan's efforts to form an alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkey under the framework of an 'Islamic NATO' reportedly displeased the UAE. Also, during the Iran conflict, when Pakistan was tasked with ceasefire responsibilities, it failed to take the UAE into confidence. Consequently, the UAE demanded the immediate repayment of its loans. After some delay, Pakistan repaid the debt, and its current attempt to extradite a UAE citizen is being viewed as a direct challenge to the UAE.
Imran Khan is currently imprisoned and facing trial in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, while the Pakistani government had previously attempted to contact the UAE government on several occasions to bring Riaz back to Pakistan, but those diplomatic efforts were unsuccessful. The decision to involve Interpol marks a significant escalation in the government's pursuit of the billionaire businessman.