Sunday, June 17, 2012

Malik Riaz denies ‘buying’ journalists

* Real estate tycoon says he never distributed money, house, plots and air tickets among journalists
* All such allegations aim at defaming journalists

Staff Report

LAHORE: Zahid Hussain Bukhari, counsel for property tycoon Malik Riaz, read out message of his client that he (Riaz) never distributed money, houses, plots or air tickets among journalists.

Addressing a press conference, Bukhari read the message, "News reports alleging me for distribution of money, houses, plots and air tickets to various journalists are absolutely false and baseless. I deny and reject them completely."

The message read further the allegations were anonymous which proved that their aim was to defame journalists. This is the handy work of the dirty tricks section of a political party.

"It is reported that I told TV anchor Talat Hussain that I was one of the 'chirya' or source of anchor Najam Sethi's information. This is a white lie. I have never met or spoken with Talat Hussain. I demand him swear on oath that he talked to me and passed on this false information too. I reserve my right to sue him for this false allegation. I make it clear that I have never given money, plots, air tickets to Najam Sethi or anyone else as alleged," the message also read.

"In another instance, the allegations are printed on Bahria Town letterhead, which could have been stolen from any of Bahria Town offices across the country. This is a fake document and was not prepared by the administration of Bahria Town," it also read. "If it had been an internal Bahria Town document, at least it should have shown that these favours were given to various alleged recipients and not as received shown on document."

To a question, Bukhari said that he was reading out this letter as a messenger.

About press conference of his client while holding the holy Quran in hand, Bukhari said it was Riaz's personal act and "I did not like it". He said that he respected the judiciary and would go to any extent to defend and protect its sanctity.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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