JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 18, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: Property tycoon Malik Riaz Monday reacted angrily to a story on Dawn.com alleging graft and land grab in the construction of Bahria Town Karachi.
In a series of angry tweets on Monday morning, Malik Riaz re-posted a Jan 31 tweet in which he had claimed that DawnNews TV asked for ads worth Rs8 crores annually – a demand which was turned down.
In three tweets on January 31 this year, Malik Riaz said he was appalled by “perpetual propaganda” against Bahria Town on DawnNews TV. He claimed that he would expose “black sheeps of Pakistani media”. In yet another tweet he had said DawnNews “lost all credibility” and vowed not bow before “blackmailing”.
The story Bharia Town Karachi: Greed Unlimited on Dawn.com Monday maintained that “authorities and Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd colluded in violating multiple laws to facilitate a massive land grab.” It also alleged forced eviction of villagers. The story by Fahim Zaman and Naziha Syed Ali maintained there was no response by Bahria to questions put to it by Dawn about Bahria Town Karachi or to the subsequent reminder.
Instead of directly responding to the latest story, the Bahria Town owner also focused on a Dawn story on March 31 which reported that Riaz’s son was booked in a murder case. Threatening legal action, his tweet on Monday said the "reputable" @dawn_com committed contempt of court &we're all set to raise ths on legal forum, rest assure.”
The property tycoon railed against Dawn, accusing them of “contemptible reporting” and “consistently making false accusations to blackmail us to bow down to their yellow journalism…”.
A few weeks back in an interview with Reuters Riaz had announced plans to come up with not one but many TV channels to “protect himself from those who accuse him of wrongdoing.”
Related post from JournalismPakistan.com Archives:
Property tycoon Malik Riaz eyes media move to protect his name
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.