An accountability court in Islamabad has sentenced retired Colonel Khalilur Rehman, Chief Operating Officer of Bahria Town, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty in a major money laundering case.
The court ruled that about Rs1.7 billion was illegally transferred through hawala hundi networks, causing serious damage to the country’s financial system. Along with the prison sentence, the court also imposed a fine of Rs25 million and ordered the confiscation of properties obtained through illegal means.
The verdict was delivered by accountability court judge Nasrullah Manullah after detailed hearings and review of evidence presented by investigators.
According to the investigation conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency, funds connected with Bahria Town had allegedly been transferred abroad through hawala and hundi channels since 2007.
Authorities registered the case in August 2025 under FIR No 19/25 using sections 3 and 4 of the Anti Money Laundering Act. During the trial, the court examined documentary evidence and statements from 12 witnesses before reaching its decision.
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Despite several delays and legal tactics, the court completed the trial in less than six months. Officials said it was the first money laundering trial handled by the FIA Islamabad circle that reached its logical conclusion.
In the same case, property tycoon Malik Riaz, along with Ali Riaz and Shahid Qureshi, has already been declared proclaimed offenders by the court.
Legal experts say the decision sends a strong message that financial crimes will not be tolerated and that powerful individuals cannot escape justice by using influence.
This decision shows authorities are increasing action against financial crimes. Money laundering cases often take years to resolve. A quick verdict may signal stricter enforcement in the future. It also sends a warning to those using illegal channels to move money abroad.
