Riaz, who had earlier appeared before the Supreme Court to hand over his statement, was speaking to the media at a hotel in Islamabad.
“Blackmailers were sent after me. Where should I go? Why was I pushed against the wall?” Riaz questioned.
Riaz said that despite being blackmailed, he continued to “bear” the trouble to avoid destroying his credibility and his career. “I cannot see this country collapsing. I have helped built it.”
He further claimed that there is no free judiciary in the country and it is being run by a ‘don’. “Arsalan Iftikhar is the don. But I still respect the chief justice.”
“Even today I respect the chief justice. Even today, I have submitted my reply in written to the court and I stand by my statement,” Riaz said, adding that he even wrote a book in 2007 in favour of the chief justice during Musharraf’s tenure. “I also offered him my bullet-proof vehicle.”
Riaz, holding a pocket Holy Quran in one hand, questioned Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry before the media. “I have come here with the Holy Quran, just like the chief justice did. I have three questions for the chief justice.”
As his first question, Riaz asked the chief justice to tell the nation how many times they had met during the night, and if his son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar did not know him. “Was he not there in the meetings?” He further asked the chief justice to disclose how many times the prime minister and the CJ met at his partner Ahmed Khalil’s residence.
“Place this Holy Quran in front of you and tell the people: for how long have you not known about this? Why did you not take a suo motu then? Why did you take a suo motu only when the media broke the news?”
“Call me for contempt or send me to jail. I’m ready to die. I’m not afraid of the jails,” Riaz said, while promising that he will disclose more facts in “due time”.
A perturbed Malik Riaz later left the press conference after telling media persons that he had disclosed what he had to for today.
‘Riaz met CJ when judiciary was deposed’
Supreme Court Registrar Dr Faqeer Hussain, in response to Riaz’s press conference, clarified that the meetings between Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Riaz were held at the time when the judiciary was deposed, reported Express News.
Supreme Court registrar further defended the chief justice by saying that when Riaz had offered his bullet-proof car, the chief justice turned down the offer. Hussain added that Riaz tried to force the chief justice into meeting President Asif Ali Zardari, but he refused it as well.
A suo motu was taken by the chief justice against Iftikhar and Riaz, following media reports that Iftikhar had received between Rs300 and Rs400 million from Riaz to influence judicial proceedings. The chief justice had summoned his son to the court, and had later detached himself from the bench.
COMMENTS (127)
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The funny thing is on one hand the CJ talked about his son not having much money on the other the son talks about making a lot of money! The point is govt servants allowed to do other jobs and make that kind of money while still on the govt payroll? What is corruption then? From his admission in medical school to swift progress in govt jobs to hundreds of millions and the poor CJ thought his son could not even afford a home!
@Babloo: Why not do the same for entire PPP cabinet. Pakistan will pay off all it's debt plus donate money to few countries
lol we live in a country where pm gilani can walk out after 10 seconds punishment and the man who built pindi will be given strict punishment! this CJ needs to go he is backed by other people. CJ is corrupt he meet Malik at night with his corrupt son !
One thing is very very very clear, That it is a fight between high grade politicians and judiciary. May Allah help us all.
I am not with Arslan but I do not want victory of Malik Raiz . B/c I will face lot of Malik Raiz in every city , town and street .
The list of favors is very long ... http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/06/08/kamran-khan-you-are-hypocrite-behria-towns-servant-screamed-over-senior-journalist/
@Bloom:
Why the CJ should resign? Did he do any favors in the justice towards him? The case if any would be between Malik Riaz and Dr. Arsalan. Without going on the evidences from both sides ppl just draw conclusion as if they the expert lawyers.
The whole topi drama is to discredit the CJ. Look what MR is saying. He is blaming the judiciary and also saying Don to Dr. Arsalan who is not a lawyer or belong to judiciary.
The country situation has messed up third power chance are increased
This nation run on "Danda" and the Danda is Martial Law
Riaz statement is very strong, CJ must resign and face the investigation by FIA or NAB.
Malik Riaz has revealed the truth about Cj and his son's extortion and blackmail. CJ should not only be forced to resign but along with his son should be tried in a court of law for the sake of Pakistan...
First of all, Holy QURAN is used in courts to testify, not to hold in hands and asking questions. Contradictory statements are made by Malik Riaz. Firstly he says he was offered relief in Bahria Town cases in return of the 34 Carore Rupee used by Arsalan Iftikhar. This is bribing. Now when he sees it as a problem he takes a u turn & says he was blackmailed. Blackmailed for what? He did not mention. Was he forced by Arsalan Iftikhar to take relief in Baharia town cases? This is for sure Riaz was looking for relief so This is a clear case of bribe, & as he himself said No relief was given by the court, that proves that Chief justice's Honesty. As far as Arsalan goes, he should face the music if he has done what Riaz claims.
Now the Malik Riaz holding copy of Holy Quran in his hand, has spoken truth to nation in his press conference. Will those anti-democratic so called political leaders, analysts and even some media experts who had been giving the references of Western countries and ancient Islamic era over and over – again and again. Whenever, there has been any accusation of corruption against the current president, PM or ministers there were loud voices calling for their resignations. Why they all are silent over this issue? One thing is for sure that they don't want to see democracy in Pakistan. Ninety seven 97% of NRO beneficiaries were Judges, generals and bureaucrats but no single word uttered against them and only constitutional immune person President of Pakistan was singled out for criticism. Then issue of writting letter to swiss authorities was also politicised, though PM did all for upholding constitution because president enjoyed national and international immunity. Being a patriot pakistani and lover of democracy, I demand resignation from Iftikhar chaudhry, because after Malik Riaz's testimonial revelations, Iftikhar chaudry has no right to sit in CJ office. He has abused CJ office. He need to prove himself innocent first. How can we expect justice from such a corrupt person?
Cunning move by Malik Riaz or His Masters.
He knows that Judges cannot come on Media directly and defend themselves in front of the people like politicians and common man.He knows that CJ can answer his question in two ways : 1) By resigning 2) By appearing before the Judicial commission in the respond of the Presidential reference .
And We all know who will be the beneficiaries if the CJ resigns or is removed from his position.
It is very blatant that who doesn't like CJ .
I Honestly Pray May Allah Safeguard Our Beloved CJ Iftikhar Muhammad Ch against a hifi plan to turn him down why because he is listening to Missing persons case? Moosa Gilani's in appropriate corruption???? Against zardaris swiss case ????? ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, We are with you sir if we are needed on the streets I am ready :) Ameen
Either Malik Riaz has lost his nerve or the directions he is getting from the 'directors' behind the scene are contradictory. His behaviour and statements are self-contradictory. But the most significant one is where he first states that the case has nothing to do with any 'big personalities' like the president or the prime minister (his words), but latter claims that he did not disclose the whole affair earlier because "Zardari Sahib had restrained me!" So where do we go from here? This is a defining moment in Pakistan’s history. The independent and boldness of the Judiciary is at risk. Certainly the current CJ is not going to be in office for ever, but it is clear that if the forces arrayed against him are successful, future judges would not be able to take on the government and the army when they indulge in anti-people activities—at least not so easily. And we must remember that men of character and courage willing to fight for the common man do not come very often! This is a very important battle between good and evil currently in progress in Pakistan’s polity. We must all support the independent Judiciary, symbolised at present by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary!
Malik Riaz sounded like Pervez Musharraf today
@gp65: Wrong again Bob, CJ in his Statement he made in court (Under oath) declared his assets and staked out his positions. He had to to as a expalnation to his colleages and the citizens of this country. If you can can prove if he lied under that oath that is a different matter. He never accused anyone or insinuate anything against anyone. He cleared his postion as far as he could at that time and then recused himself from the proceedings.
On the other Hand MR used the Quran to fling nonsensical attention grabbing accusation at CJ. And he did not Pick up the Quran on the main accusation (i.e did he or did he not plan to blackmail CJ by collecting these records against Arsalan, or he that other players are not involved i.e ISI MI IB or PPP etc).
Over past week there are half a dozen self contradictory statements from his end(I.e till yesterday he was hospitalized for a heart attack as per his lawyer statement). There is a big difference.
He should have explained (while keeping Quran in hand) what CJ talked to him and if he really got bribe, or if is really involved in corruption? Just making confused statements that he met CJ wont help him. This is making joke of our religious book, and i believe he is going to lose popularity fast.
A man goes to this extreme when a) he has nothing to loose or b) he has everything to loose and believe me Mr. Riaz does have a lot to loose. Secondly the compromising material that he probably has on Arsalan should be really really embarrassing for CJ. Can the CJ really cope with it?
He has asked 3 questions, i ask only one y at this time, dun give me this lame excuse that he was getting blackmailed for three yrs, a man of his power and links cant b blackmailed for that long. Secondly does this prove anything if u meet some1 at a particular point at time, if he has got dat much courage than come up wid evithing dun throw peanuts.
The thing is when these mafias came to know that CJ will ultimately b reaching them they joined together to gv their last stand, but inshALLAH truth will shine...
Am nt defending arslan he may b a culprit bt surely he is framed bt it does nt free him of the charges against him... Their may be 100% chances his father dun knew abt his actions. The simple example apply 2 ourself their r 100 of immoral things which we do And our parents dun know abt dat...
I wud request all to keep faith in CJ after all he has shown he can b trusted by his actions
All Such Non sense going around and no one is cabal enough to take matter is hand like a MAN?? Law enforcement, drone attacks, NATO supply,economy at worse,energy crisis and much more...And the people suppose to handle these issues fighting for there seats and SONS !!
What is going on ???
Alician, I believe the CJ because no Muslim would lie in front of Quran Pak. It may not matter to some liberals here but it matters to millions of us.
@THE: "Holding the Quran on the head or in hand and swearing has become a pass time for these people. Why can’t they just say what they want to say without getting the Quran in between? Is this not an insult to the holy Quran?"
CJ did the same thing...
CJP also brought Quran Pak on the first day of proceedings, both are wrong.@Nida:
let the games begin
The case is against him why is he dragging CJ in this? That simply shows the intent of this whole DRAMA.
Come to think of it, after rebuttle from Registrar of Supreme Court, there is nothing left in MR Drama... He wanted to make it big, it became big for about half an hour and then became flattened like a baloon!!! Well Better Luck Next Time MR
The nation stands by the CJ and denounces black hawks like Malik Riaz. Such propaganda can not obstruct justice.
@Nida: I guess he is matching the CJ who also brought forward the Quran and spoke on it. Both should have refrained but CJ set the precedent.
Anyone who swears always turn out to be a liar - and that is why swearing in our religion is least liked. In fact, this is a simple case of bribery, which Riaz himself admitted of having given money to Arsalan to process his pending cases. Now bringing Koran and sensationalizing the issue and matters like gun point, with no proof, are always baseless.
Instead of press conferences, let the case be decided in the court of law not on streets and luxury hotels, nor by printing full page ads of the housing scheme and coming out clean.
This is just plain weird. CJ said that he did not know about Arsalan before with the Quran infront. Now Aitzaz Ahsan says that he spoke to CJ about Arsalan's activities a couple of months ago. This also verified Malik Riaz's story who said that Aitzaz spoke to CJ 6 months back.
http://jang.com.pk/jang/jun2012-daily/12-06-2012/u109902.htm
Who is lying?
Why did Riaz select this time, when Rehman malik's membership was suspended? Why did he try to legitimize his cases in the court if he was right, he belives in Allah,then why has he been meeting CJ? He is trying to making fool to the entire nation emotionally. How dare he to display the QURAN? CJ,PM,PRESIDENT OR MALIK riaz, these are not angles,they are making blunders with the people of Pakistan, and time has come to tame them. They have been trapped in their own webs....ALLAH O AKBAR. We do not have any sympathy with these people those are corrupt,materially and morally.
We knew this even before. Musharraf was right to send reference against him.time has proven this
"I did not give bribes, I was blackmailed: Malik Riaz" I wonder how come malik riaz be blackmailed when he blackmail whole pakistan!!!!
I honestly feel that cheif justice is part and parcel of the same corrupt burecracy that we have in Pakistan. It is just that whoever has the upperhand prevails. Right now there is a cat and mouse game going around, and if it is CJ's turn now, well and good. He needs to be held accouttable, as he is holding all others. Not just select suo motos where he pleases, but must take suo moto against all ills.
We should get rid of all corrupt people by discrediting them openly. Will be a very slow process, but I pray that Pakistan can flourish in future.
Malik Sahib said "he did not pay bribes, but was being blackmailed" NO one can be black mailed until unless they do have something in closet? It would be interesting to hear "What was or is in Malik Sahib closet" or reason behind to be Black Mailed"? One thing for sure, such cases or dirty game will have negative effects days, weeks, months n years to come. And it would be the majority of 180-million who will pay the price.
Another Z Mirza stunt
response from CJ will decide the course now!
President does not have immunity, but the CJ & Sons Inc. does!!
I don't think anyone is as innocent or as guilty as they appear to be. Everything is in shades of grey here, nothing is truly as simple as black and white. Malik Riaz is not pulling this stunt for no reason, his motivations are suspect. Norther is CJP as dumb as he is pretending to be.
Why we r discussing about Malik Riaz, Arslan, CJ and courts? Poor people of Pakistan are getting their basic necessities ? a common person has anything to do with all this drama? I ask Pakistani MEDIA Issues which a poor person is facing in Pakistan has anything to do with all this drama? I request Pakistani Media to plz plz plz plz plz plz focus on poor people's problems not with this elite class dramas
@Nida: Pakistan is an Islamic Republic. So there is nothing wrong in using Quran in politics or courts. Correct?
The nation want to know what was the nature of his meetings with CJ and PM. The all should resign, be open and tell the truth to the nation. This elite class is trying to make whole nation fool.
I am against using Quran in politics likeDisstrong text
What gifts did Mr Arsalan Chaudhury and his mother bring for the chief justice from London and Mote Carlo, at the end of their shopping spree ? Those gifts should be produced in court.
Riaz is liar: It's all part of some hidden business deal which cannot be possible untill CJ is there. ...I am with you CJ...Allah will humiliate those who are trying to humiliate you. God bless CJ
Riaz Sahib, why were you being blackmailed? Nobody is blackmailed just for the heck of it...and carrying and showing the Quran does not make one a better person...in this day and age no one trusts anyone. Remember where there is smoke there is fire.
there is nothing wrong if prime minister is meeting the chief justice the investigation will show how arsalan was involve in this scam of 200 billion embezzlement committed by riaz malik and the army high ups through Defense Housing Schemes and I hope the money is recovered and exemplary punishment is given to those found guilty.
How could CJ not know that his son and wife were shopping in London. How could he not know that his son started driving Mercedes from Corolla, tripled his bank balance, went to Monte Carlo for vacation. The live in the same house for God's sake. I am not stupid enough to believe that he did not know.
I like the CJ but this case is just too obvious.
How about Mr Arsaman Chaudhury applying for "presidential pardon". Mr Zardari is a generous , kind man !
@muhammad: "Why Quran?" Why did CJ brought Quran when objections raised by Attorney General for him sitting on the bench?
A truthful person need not hold Quran to speak his mind. A person of character having true love for the Holy Book would never play such a drama. There have been such examples in the past but the present day trend setter is Mirza Zulfiqar. All know who they belong to.
I 100% agree with Malik Riaz. In my opinion CJ was fully aware of the situation. He came to rescue his son when whole story become public.
@Answerer: Iftikhar also brought Holy Qoran to the Court and told a big lie that he did not know what his son did for a living. Impossible. Also, his wife and whole family were having vacation after vacation at the expense of Malik Riaz and Iftikhar did not know. Come on Iftikhar, do not consider the whole nation so naive.
May Allah help us .. do the justice to every one..
A. Freeze bank accounts of Arsalan Chaudhury B. Investigate source of his income C. Investigate his tax returns D. Freeze his foreign bank accounts , including Swiss accounts. No judicial immunity for son.
Its easy to determine where Mr Arsalan Chaudhury was getting his funds. Just follow the money trail. The needle of suspicion is right now pointing at Mr Arsalan Chaudhury and possibly jis father too.
It proves Pervaiz Musharraf was 100% right!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!!! Very Very serious allegations by Malik Riaz.
It would have been nice if we actually start acting upon Quran rather than using it as a swearing tool.
@Questioner
Was there any need of Quran? Is it just a stunt ?
Did you ask the same question of the CJP.
And, how can you separate the Believer from the Book? Is this a 'secular, liberal' country or what?
“Blackmailers were sent after me. Where should I go? Why was I pushed against the wall?” Riaz questioned.
You can be blackmailed only if you have some illegal or immoral activities to hide! Stop misusing the Quran.
I cannot believe what I am hearing.
NEVER EVER am I EVER GOING TO TRUST ANYONE IN PAKISTAN
The gambler arranged a well plan against CJ after all, no its looks an end game.
"I did not give bribes, I was blackmailed: Malik Riaz" HaHaHaHa . . . you have bribed the whole lot for your business if not Arslan Iftikhar. Now get ready Mr. Malik. Its about time that all the stories will be made public now how you became a real estate tycoon from the status of a small contractor or clerk. You said you were blackmailed then how come it took so long you to reveal that? The people are not so naive that they will accept whatever you are saying. You are not an ordinary person Mr. Malik. You have contacts with all the powers in Pakistan then how come you have been blackmailed? This is insane and totally WRONG
Looks like Arslan is money trapped long ago for this day! Some people are not happy with CJ i guess hence all this, and its not only Pakistani officials and mafia like Riaz, but Texan investors along with their government too!
With power, comes responsibility; with responsibility, comes opportunity; with opportunity comes corruption. It's like a plague, sooner or later, everybody get sick!
On one side Malik Riaz is saying that Arsalan promised that he will help him in getting judgements in his favor and on the other side Malik Riaz is saying Arsalan was blackmailing him!
I dont get it??.
These allegations should be thoroughly examined. If proven, they will expose a judiciary that the public though to be honest.
Why supreme court Judges attend private parties of such persons whose reputation is not beyond shadow of doubt. What justice could be expected from them? Why tax record of Malik Riaz is requisitioned and why not that of Arsalan? Chief Justice has played unprecedented and historic role in highlighting article 6 of the constitution and preventing military take over. He must rise to occasion.
at the end of the day he did not get the judgements he wanted in his cases that is what this is all about
He is Property Don backed by a political Don maligning all those who are not dons.
I am going to write a Political TV drama script. This is getting better. If one more corroborating evidence is presented, then the CJ is gone.
Impressed by Zulifiqar Mirza
All are pawns in this game. Who are the silent ones pulling the strings. the pawns will be made an example of, what about the root of these dirty games..
It is the same as the HH case, the pawns are under the spotlight, but the real game makers are gaining through all this.
This all adds up to the mess and in the end there will be a checkmate by the COAS. We ourselves are forcing this chakmate by these filthy politicians.
@Ali: either u r very innocent or .............................
Wow, the game is AWN :D
CJ should resign and face the charges in courts
man Mr Riaz is really getting into trouble, i have already invested some of my money in his Bahria town, i hope my investement will get into trouble as well :D
Who needs reality show in Pakistan?
Another guy put Quran on his head and did a press conference in Past, Where is he now ??? Why they are making mockery of the Holy Book. just go and fight your case in courts. How it comes a business tycon, who is so close to Ruling Elite of Pakistan is blackmailed by a young boy, senseless.
Please stop making mockery of public and the Holy Book.
Guys, I think the best way to make their efforts a failure is to IGNORE them and stop paying any attention to their woes. This is all fabricated.
Another hero of the middle class exposed
Shame on Riaz Malik, Dr. Arsalan and their friends in judiciary and establishment. They are wasting our time and tax money. Why should we pay more tax for these dramas?
why quran?
Holding the Quran on the head or in hand and swearing has become a pass time for these people. Why can't they just say what they want to say without getting the Quran in between? Is this not an insult to the holy Quran?
Now the GAME is going on NASTY area.. Lets see how CJ will move... This is going interesting..
U DA MAN ! Malik Riaz !
Just a stunt to save behria town from what he did in past. To make CJ controversial and stop CJ from hearing his cases by giving impression CJ is bias.
So one thing is now clear...it is attack on CJ and Arsalan is a just a pawn.
Its Check comrades , checkmate is still Remaining
' That is why I stated some days ago that the only hope against corruption is CJ ... '
Well these are serious allegations which must not be neglected. This is putting question marks against those lines which were supposed to be the answers.
Now I beleive this man.. there is 100% something in it otherwise a person of such a rock patience never do like this i never met him but can swear his character and morality
@Questioner: Quran is just made a tool either to bluff or to make other feel you're saying the truth
War between two mafias.
Very Innocent ..........
Remind me how, if at all, this case is helping the average Pakistani in his/her daily life.
we live in a country, where aitizaz ahsan has LNG contracts, judges claims house rent despite government houses, parlimentarians claims allowances with participating in sessions, millitary officers make plots....
@Questioner:
Well.. CJP also brought Quran in the Court so he's getting the dose of his own medicine.
What ? Corrupt to the core ? Meetings at night in secrecy ?
Checkmate!
Was there any need of Quran? Is it just a stunt ?
Hmm... Now then? The game is ON!!
Another explosion. What all this going on. Doom day seems to be appearing. All should pray.
I am against using Quran in politics like this.