Zahid Bokhari, counsel for Malik Riaz in the Arsalan Iftikhar suo motu case. — Photo by AP

LAHORE: Zahid Bokhari, the counsel for property tycoon Malik Riaz in the Arsalan Iftikhar suo motu case, on Saturday said that his client had not given any money or bungalows to any journalists, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives at a press conference in Lahore, Bokhari also read out an email sent to him by Riaz. In the email, the real estate tycoon had denied giving any financial or other material favours to any media persons.

Bokhari said that the list of journalists allegedly given cars, property and cash was published on a Bahria Town letterhead which he said had most likely been stolen.

He said the documentation was bogus and had no legal significance.

Regarding questions pertaining to Riaz's allegations against the chief justice and the judiciary, Bokhari said he had no association with his client’s comments.

He moreover said that "it would have been better" if his client had consulted him prior to holding the contentious press conference.

Bokhari said in his press conference, Riaz had expressed his personal grievances for which he (Bokhari) could not be held responsible.

Regarding the controversial off-air footage of a television interview of Riaz, Bokhari said "things are discussed during breaks in these programs...however, it was unfortunate that such a footage was leaked".

Riaz's counsel said that "the whole thing" seemed like a "big conspiracy" and said that the law should take its course and the conspiracy should be unravelled.

Bokhari said the Supreme Court did not hand "a clean chit" to any one which showed that "clearly there is some material that needs to be investigated".

Opinion

Editorial

Large projects again?
Updated 03 Jun, 2024

Large projects again?

Government must focus on debt sustainability by curtailing its spending and mobilising more resources.
Local power
03 Jun, 2024

Local power

A SIGNIFICANT policy paper was recently debated at an HRCP gathering, calling for the constitutional protection of...
Child-friendly courts
03 Jun, 2024

Child-friendly courts

IN a country where the child rights debate has been a belated one, it is heartening to note that a recent Supreme...
Dutch courage
Updated 02 Jun, 2024

Dutch courage

ECP has been supported wholeheartedly in implementing twisted interpretations of democratic process by some willing collaborators in the legislature.
New World cricket
02 Jun, 2024

New World cricket

HAVING finished as semi-finalists and runners-up in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup in familiar ...
Dead on arrival?
02 Jun, 2024

Dead on arrival?

Whatever the motivations for Gaza peace plan, it is difficult to see the scheme succeeding.