Acquisitions made with legitimate funds: Naqvi

LAHORE: In response to the recent Property Leaks scandal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Thursday maintained that his acquisitions were made with legitimate funds.

Addressing the media here, Naqvi clarified that his wife’s property in Dubai, acquired in 2017, was sold in 2023. Additionally, he disclosed the existence of his wife’s property in London. He stressed the necessity of investigating individuals named in the Dubai Leaks, particularly if illegal funds were used to purchase the properties abroad.

He maintained that his acquisitions were made with legitimate funds and in accordance with the law, thus, they should not be subject to undue media scrutiny.

“All my financial activities, including property purchases, have been transparently reflected in my election returns,” Naqvi stated. He noted that the property in question was bought 10 years ago, long before he held any public office. Criticizing the selective targeting of individuals with foreign properties, Naqvi highlighted that thousands of people own such assets yet only certain individuals were scrutinized.

He called for action against those failing to declare their properties, while defending the legitimacy of lawful business activities and investments abroad.

Drawing a comparison with India, where businessmen are supported in their development endeavours, Naqvi highlighted the negative portrayal of businessmen in Pakistan.

He urged for a fair and equitable treatment of Pakistani businessmen, emphasizing the importance of recognizing legitimate investments abroad as part of lawful business operations.