By Linda Kwanjana
The Limbe Magistrate’s Court has issued a warrant of arrest for controversial Blantyre businessman Chaudhry Azhar Mahmood, who is facing multiple charges linked to alleged fraudulent acquisition of Malawian citizenship, false statements to public officers, and misrepresentation of diplomatic status.
According to Case Number 469, the warrant, dated July 16, 2026, stems from a complaint involving suspected offences relating to immigration, citizenship, passports, business registration and claims of consular representation.
Court documents show Chaudhry is accused of knowingly making false statements between October 2001 and August 2004 to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He allegedly claimed to have entered Malawi on August 20, 1994 to take up ordinary residence, when immigration records indicate he arrived in April 1995 and was only treated as lawfully resident from August 1998.
As an alternative charge, prosecutors allege Chaudhry gave false information to public officers during the same period, intending that they approve his registration as a citizen of Malawi based on incorrect facts.
The warrant also cites a separate charge that between 2018 and 2022, he falsely presented himself as a consular officer of the Republic of Pakistan. He allegedly misled the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malawi Revenue Authority, Road Traffic Directorate, Malawi Police Service, courts and other public offices into believing he enjoyed diplomatic privileges and immunities.
These included consular vehicle registration, tax exemptions, and other official benefits.
The Limbe Magistrate’s Court has directed law enforcement agencies to execute the warrant, paving the way for Chaudhry’s arrest and prosecution.
The case adds to mounting scrutiny over Chaudhry’s activities, with civil society groups previously demanding government action against him for allegedly abusing diplomatic symbols and privileges.
If convicted, Mahmood could face penalties under the Malawi Citizenship Act and the Penal Code, including imprisonment and revocation of his citizenship.
Just few days earlier, the same court also issued another warrant of arrest for Neelam Azhar Mahmood, wife to Chaudhry, on allegations of giving false information to a public officer in violation of Section 122 of the Penal Code.
According to Criminal Case No. 465 of 2026, Mrs. Mahmood is accused of falsely declaring herself a Malawian citizen through her legal representatives, Messrs Brandon Law Firm, in an application to the Land Registrar. The application sought consent to transfer Title Number Blantyre East 15 (Plot Number BE1), despite laws prohibiting non-citizens from acquiring land in Malawi.
The warrant, signed and stamped by the court on July 14, 2026, directs all police officers to arrest Mrs. Mahmood and produce her before the court.
A sworn statement filed by Blantyre businessman Austin Lajabu sheds further light on the matter.
Lajabu said he became aware of the intended sale of the property late last year through an estate agent and later conducted a search at the Land Registry in June 2026. Records showed the property was registered under Nirala Kautilal Rejavi and Manjula Guladbas Devraj, with a transfer process underway to Mahli Trust, belonging to the Chaudhry family.
The wife is a British national and the current land laws in Malawi do not allow foreigners acquire land, unless for recognised investment and in partnership with a Malawian citizen.
