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".

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