By M.R.
Earlier today, an official investigation was launched by Chairman NAB against Malik Riaz and Bahria Town for land grabbing and corruption.
Soon after this order was released, a paid hashtag #ILoveBahriaTown surfaced on Twitter that meant to promote the positive aspects of one of the biggest housing societies in Pakistan.
How beautiful is this
Eiffel Tower – Bahria Town Paris LahorePC: @FahadQureshi_ #ILoveBahriaTown pic.twitter.com/oR5XZ6PV4a
— Rana Talha Asfar (@RTAluvzAfridi) May 21, 2018
People made sure to highlight the scenic views and extravagant infrastructure the society offers.
Night view 😭😭❤
Someone pls drop me there 😤#ILoveBahriaTown pic.twitter.com/KmcleIZfP6— Arham. (@ArhamSayss) May 21, 2018
Some pointed out that the real state empire has everything when it comes to entertainment, adventure and knowledge.
Bahria town Karachi has inaugurated Pakistan’s first day and night zoo with international standard, it never ceases to dumbfound its residents when it comes to entertainment, adventure and knowledge. #ILoveBahriaTown pic.twitter.com/bMqB7jVRxA
— Arham. (@ArhamSayss) May 21, 2018
Buuut like any paid trend, instead of doing any good, it backfired and infuriated people over the injustices the society has been carrying out in the last few decades.
NAB today launched three references against Malik Riaz and he replied through this paid trend. Quite easy in this country to buy voices to speak for your personal agenda and defend corruption. Complete media black out of this news too #ILoveBahriaTown
— Zameer Maan (@ZameerMaan) May 21, 2018
Some used this hashtag to raise some very important and valid issues.
#ILoveBahriaTown because 20% of its labour workforce was laid off only two weeks ago. That’s about 4000 people who were laid off. All of them paid under 15k. Security guards, gardeners, drivers etc.
— peer (@kahayfaqeer) May 21, 2018
Others mocked digital marketing companies for supporting such land mafias.
Our digital marketing companies are nothing more than a buyable commodity for powerful and rich. Corrupt business men and politicians can hire them to defend corruption and land grabbing. This trend is an example of this irony.
— FAIQA. 💫 (@Faiqaaheree) May 21, 2018
What really happened was that Chairman NAB, Javed Iqbal, formally initiated the investigation against Bahria town Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi and asked all the relevant director generals of NAB to logically conclude the inquiry against Bahria Town in accordance with law in three months time frame given by the apex court.
Chairman explained Bahria Town’s situation as “rob Peter to Pay Paul.” His exact words as mentioned in his statement are as follows:
