Famous Pakistani Business People

Shahid Rafiq "Shad" Khan is a Pakistani-American billionaire businessman and sports tycoon. He is the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, Fulham F.C. of the Premier League, and co-owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) with his son Tony Khan. Khan is also the owner of Flex-N-Gate, a major American supplier of motor vehicle components. Known as the face of the American Dream, he has been featured on the front cover of Forbes magazine. With a net worth of $12.1 billion, Khan is one of the richest individuals globally.

Mian Muhammad Mansha is a prominent Pakistani business figure, serving as the chairman of MCB Bank and leading the influential Nishat Group. Known for his substantial contributions to the economy, Mansha and his family are among the top taxpayers in Pakistan. His extensive business interests span across various industries, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen. Additionally, Mansha's ownership of luxurious properties in Europe, such as the exclusive St. Georges Hill estate in London, reflects his global success and stature in the business world.

Salman Taseer was a Pakistani businessman and politician who served as the 26th Governor of Punjab from 2008 until his assassination in 2011. He was a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party and had a career in politics dating back to the 1980s. Taseer also had a successful business career, establishing a brokerage house and founding the Worldcall Group. He later ventured into media by launching Business Plus and Daily Times. Taseer was known for his outspoken criticism of Pakistan's blasphemy laws and his call for the pardon of a blasphemy accused individual.

Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani was the former president and chief operating officer of Theranos, a health technology company founded by Elizabeth Holmes. Together, they fraudulently claimed to have developed a revolutionary blood test requiring small blood samples. Balwani was convicted of fraud along with Holmes, leading to the collapse of Theranos and significant financial losses for investors. He was sentenced to 12 years and 11 months in prison, along with probation, for his role in defrauding investors and patients. Balwani's professional life was depicted in the miniseries "The Dropout."

Agha Hasan Abedi was a Pakistani banker known for founding the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) and United Bank Limited. He played a significant role in the global banking industry but faced a downfall due to a major fraud scandal that led to the collapse of BCCI. Abedi was convicted of fraud by the UAE court and sentenced to prison. Despite his achievements, his legacy is tarnished by the scandal that overshadowed his contributions to the banking sector.

Arif Naqvi is a Pakistani-Kittian businessman known for founding and leading The Abraaj Group, a Dubai-based private equity firm established in 2002. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asia. Naqvi also played a pivotal role in establishing the Aman Foundation. However, The Abraaj Group is currently undergoing liquidation following allegations of fraud, marking a significant downfall in Naqvi's once successful professional career.

Mahbub ul Haq was a Pakistani economist, international development theorist, and politician. He served as the Minister of Finance in Pakistan and played a key role in economic liberalization. Haq worked at the World Bank as Director of Policy Planning, where he reoriented development approaches for low-income countries. He later became a special adviser to the UNDP and established the Human Development Report and Human Development Index. Haq's work had a profound impact on global development, influencing policy proposals and shaping understanding of development processes.

Faquir Chand Kohli was a prominent figure in the Indian IT industry, best known for his role as the co-founder and first CEO of TCS Tata Consultancy Services, the country's largest software services company. He also had associations with other Tata Group companies such as Tata Power Company and Tata Elxsi. Kohli served as the President of NASSCOM, a leading IT services advocacy body in India. Recognized for his significant contributions, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2002. Kohli is widely regarded as the "Father of the Indian IT Industry" for his pivotal role in shaping and advancing the sector.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif is a prominent Pakistani politician who has held various key positions in the government, including serving as the Defence Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Water and Power, and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources. He has been an active member of the National Assembly since the early 1990s, representing his constituency effectively. Asif's extensive political career has seen him play crucial roles in shaping Pakistan's foreign relations, defense strategies, and economic policies. He continues to be a significant figure in Pakistani politics and governance.

Byram D. Avari was a prominent Pakistani businessman known for his successful career in the hospitality industry. As the owner of Avari Hotels, he played a significant role in establishing and managing luxury accommodations in Karachi, Sindh. Avari also had a distinguished sports career, having won two gold medals at the Asian Games. His contributions to both business and sports showcased his versatile skills and expertise, making him a respected figure in Pakistan's business and sporting communities.

Saif Durbar is an accomplished Indian-Pakistani businessman, investor, and property developer. With a wealth of experience, he has served as a key adviser to prominent former presidents of the Central African Republic. Durbar's professional endeavors include founding and leading successful companies such as Girc, Bridge Africa Counselage, and the philanthropic organization Kutamani. He is dedicated to making a positive impact by providing educational tools for students in Africa. Additionally, he has held significant roles such as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Central African Republic, showcasing his expertise in international relations and diplomacy.