ISLAMABAD/DUBAI: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered a fresh investigation into a case involving threats and a ransom demand of 50 bitcoins worth over Rs1.42 billion, allegedly made to Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz.
The case had earlier been dismissed by a local magistrate, but Justice Muhammad Asif set aside that decision while hearing a petition filed by Malik Riaz’s security officer, Col (R) Khalil-ur-Rehman. The court directed police to conduct a proper and transparent inquiry under Section 173 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
According to the FIR registered at Aabpara Police Station on January 29, 2025, an unknown person sent a threatening email to Malik Riaz on January 12, demanding 50 bitcoins as ransom and warning of serious harm to him and his family in Pakistan and abroad if the demand was not met.
The email also mentioned that some of Riaz’s family members live in Gulf countries and in the West, and threatened that “mujahid of Tehrik isn’t far away from your drawing rooms” if payment was not made.
The FIR further stated that an unidentified individual later visited and filmed the area around the residence of Malik Riaz’s daughter, where he also stays, which caused alarm among the family.
Although the email appeared to have been sent from Switzerland, investigators noted that the ransom demand and surveillance activity suggested the threat originated from within Pakistan.
The High Court has now directed a renewed investigation into the case after finding that the earlier proceedings were handled in a hasty and non-transparent manner.
