ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s largest private housing developer, Bahria Town, is facing mounting uncertainty as its founder Malik Riaz battles deepening legal troubles, prompting fears of a market downturn.
Despite rumors circulating on social media about a 50% price drop in certain areas, property dealers say values have not collapsed — but activity has slowed significantly. The market is expected to remain sluggish until the outcome of ongoing legal disputes becomes clearer.
The anxiety intensified after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) auctioned Bahria Town properties, followed by a stark warning from Malik Riaz that cash flow had dried up and the company was struggling to pay salaries for its tens of thousands of employees.
“Our cash flow has been completely destroyed… we are being forced to completely shut down all Bahria Town activities across Pakistan,” Riaz stated.
According to BBC Urdu, property dealers fear that if Bahria Town’s offices close, property transfers will come to a complete halt until a new system is put in place. Some investors have already started liquidating their holdings.
Market analysts warn that uncertainty is deterring new buyers, while existing investors remain cautious or are seeking exits. Although there is little positive news in the short term, Bahria Town’s long-term prospects will depend on the outcomes of its ongoing legal cases.
