ISLAMABAD, MAY 15: The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday approved Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s bail petition in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) settlement reference.
A two-member bench, comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, had reserved the verdict on the bail petition a day earlier.
The IHC, its short order today, ordered the authorities to release the PTI founder against the surety bond of Rs1 million.
Report based on data that provides detailed overview of hundreds of thousands of properties in Dubai
Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: A global collaborative investigative journalism project has revealed the ownership of properties of the global elite in Dubai. The list includes political figures, globally sanctioned individuals, alleged money launderers and criminals. Pakistanis have also been identified on the list and their combined value has been estimated at around $11 billion.
The project — ‘Dubai Unlocked’ — is based on data that provides a detailed overview of hundreds of thousands of properties in Dubai and information about their ownership or usage, largely from 2020 and 2022. Properties purchased in the name of companies and those that are in commercial areas are not part of this analysis.
The data was obtained by the Centre for Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS), a non-profit organisation based in Washington, DC. It was then shared with Norwegian financial outlet E24 and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which coordinated a six-month investigative project with reporters from 74 media outlets in 58 countries, uncovering scores of convicted criminals, fugitives, and political figures who have recently owned at least one piece of real estate in Dubai. The News and Dawn were partners from Pakistan.
Among the Pakistanis listed in the Property Leaks are President Asif Ali Zardari’s three children, Hussain Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s wife, Sharjeel Memon and family members, Senator Faisal Vawda, Farah Gogi, Sher Afzal Marwat, four MNAs and half a dozen MPAs from the Sindh and Balochistan assemblies. The Pakistani list also features the late Gen Pervez Musharraf, former prime minister Shaukat Aziz and more than a dozen retired generals as well as a police chief, an ambassador and a scientist – all of whom owned properties either directly or through their spouses and children.
In 2014, President Asif Ali Zardari had received foreign property as a gift. By the time he declared it in 2018, he had gifted it to someone. In 2014, a business tycoon co-accused with Zardari in the fake accounts case, Abdul Ghani Majid, declared in his wealth statement that he had granted a gift of Rs329m but neither mentioned its type nor the recipient. The JIT however recovered a memo about the purchase in March 2014 of a penthouse in Dubai. The Property Leaks data has now unveiled that Ghani had gifted this property to Zardari who gifted it to his daughter.
Chief Financial Officer of Omni Group Aslam Masood along with his wife is also shown as a listed owner of several properties in the data.
Sohrab Dinshaw is also a property owner in Dubai. A villa he purchased in 2015 carried a purchase price of AED 1271888 (Rs 96m).
All of the individuals mentioned were sent questions (except Aslam Masood who is deceased). None responded.
The Altaf Khanani network which was sanctioned by the US for involvement in money laundering has also surfaced on the list. His son, daughter, brother, and nephew are listed owners of several properties in Dubai. Three of them are facing sanctions. Another notable character is Hamid Mukhtar Shah, a Rawalpindi-based physician who was sanctioned by the US for his involvement in the kidnapping, detention of, and removal of kidneys from Pakistani labourers. He is listed as the owner of scores of properties.
The Property Leaks have also revealed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s wife owns a property in Dubai which he didn’t declare in the nomination papers he submitted in March this year for the Senate election.
Per the Property Leaks data, Naqvi’s wife owns a five-bedroom villa in the Arabian Ranches. She received a rental income of AED600,000 (Rs45m) from this villa, which was purchased in August 2017 for AED4,347,888 (Rs329m) according to the record. The villa remained in her ownership till April 2023 when it was sold for AED4,550,000 (Rs344m) as per the record.
Since the data available and other organisations was updated till 2022, Naqvi’s wife’s name appeared once in it — related to the above-mentioned information. She however continues to be the owner of a property in Dubai, if Dubai’s land record is taken as a guide.
Responding to questions received from the media partner of this investigative project, she clarified that she had purchased another property in Dubai in January this year when Naqvi was still interim chief minister of Punjab. Two months later, he was a candidate for the Senate seat in March and chose not to declare this property. To a question regarding this, she said: “We will declare it in the current year’s tax declarations and for the ECP”.
According to the data leak assessed by economists and reporters, the number of residential properties owned by foreigners in Dubai put Indians first, at 35,000 properties and 29,700 owners. The total value of these properties is estimated at $17 billion that same year. Owners with Pakistani nationality come second among foreigners at 17, 000 owners of 23,000 residential properties followed by UK citizens and Saudi nationals.
Among the Pakistani owners, the average value per owner is estimated at $0.41 million (Rs11.40m). The combined value of the properties of Pakistanis has been estimated at around $11 billion (Rs30tr) whereas the total value of properties of 204 nationalities is $386 billion (Rs1073.70tr).
The Property Leaks data includes the controlling party of each property, as well as other identifying information such as his or her date of birth, passport number, and nationality. In some cases, the data captured renters instead of owners as mostly it came from official government documents as well as publicly owned utility companies.
The project’s reporters have only revealed the names of owners in cases that serve the public interest. This includes property owners who have been convicted or accused of crimes, are facing sanctions, or are public officials or their associates, including those accused of corruption or who have kept their properties hidden from the public.
Journalists used the data as a starting point to explore the landscape of foreign property ownership in Dubai. They spent months verifying the identities of the people who appeared in the leaked data, as well as confirming their ownership status, using official records, open-source research, and other leaked datasets. Reporters have only included people in the project if their identities could be independently confirmed through other sources.
Dubai’s official land registry was also used to ascertain whether individuals appearing in the data remain property owners. In some cases, reporters could not determine current ownership status, usually because a property had been recently sold. In those cases, extra efforts were made to confirm that the person did own property in Dubai, including combing through real-estate transactions and rental databases.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 14 /DNA/ – Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan and Jordan enjoy cordial ties based upon historical, cultural and religious commonalities.He also said that enhancing parliament to parliament contacts would further strength these ties. Both countries enjoy unanimity of views on regional and international issues including Palestine issue.He expressed these views during his meeting with Ambassador of Jordan to Pakistan Islamabad Dr. Maen Khreasat at Parliament House who called on him in Parliament House Islamabad.
While highlighting vast opportunities of trade and invest in Pakistan, the Speaker said that enhancing trade and economic cooperation between both nations would further strengthen these ties.
He added, ” Exchanging Parliamentarians ties between both nations are pivotal for extending cooperation in diverse socio-economic fields.He further reiterated his commitment to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy.Further, he condemned the killings of innocent Palestinians and demanded urgent cease fire in Gaza Palestine.
Ambassador of Jordan to Pakistan Dr. Maen Khreasat extended felicitations to Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for his successful election as Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan. He also said that both Jordan and Pakistan enjoy cordial relations based upon centuries old shared traditions and values. He also said that Jordan always supported Palestinian cause and condemned the brutality of Israelites on innocent Palestinians.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 14 /DNA/ – Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, called on Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division today, to discuss bilateral matters and to strengthen the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Australia.
The Finance Minister welcomed the Australian High Commissioner and underscored the long-standing mutual relations between Australia and Pakistan. Mr. Neil Hawkins extended his felicitations to Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on his appointment as the Finance Minister. The Minister highlighted that Pakistan greatly values the relation with Australian Government and emphasized on the need to work together to further enhance and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries especially in the areas of economic cooperation and trade.
During the course of discussion, the Finance Minister apprised the Australian High Commissioner of the various initiatives being undertaken by the Government under the leadership of the Prime Minister. While underscoring the need for digitalization, it was highlighted that the services of Mckinsey & Company have been engaged for digitalization of the tax system.
The Finance Minister further spoke of the resolve of government to privatize various
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and also apprised the High Commissioner on the likely investments from Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the need to focus on the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Australian High Commissioner briefed the Finance Minister on the engagements of the Australian Government with Agriculture Universities in Pakistan with a view to maximize production in the agriculture and livestock sectors. He assured continued support of Australian government for socio-economic development of Pakistan.
The Finance Minister appreciated the Australian High Commissioner for his Cooperation and support.
PESHAWAR, MAY 14 (DNA) — On the call of the Prosecution Officers Welfare Association (POWA) the public prosecutors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday observed a two-day pen-down strike against non-payment of allowance and no service structure for them.
An official release of POWA issued here said that a Prosecutor was an officer of Grade-19 and 20 but they were being deprived of Rs 20,000 allowance as it was frozen since 2018. It further demanded establishment of a prosecution department and service structure for them.
Earlier, the POs boycotted the courts’ proceedings and all sorts of official work. They did not take part in any court proceedings and police investigations and warned to prolong the two-day strike if their demands were not fulfilled. — DNA
ISLAMABAD, MAY 14 /DNA/ – Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab, met with Pakistan Hockey team along with Provincial Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar in Islamabad. They congratulated the Hockey team on winning the Silver Title.
The CM Maryam Nawaz appreciated the performance of the Pakistan hockey team. On behalf of the Punjab government, a sum of 30 million rupees was distributed among the Pakistan hockey team.
ISLAMABAD, May 14 (DNA): Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to resolve the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir had averted a tragedy.
Addressing a press conference along with Federal Minister of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Balochistan Engineer Amir Muqam at the Parliament House, he said that the conspiracy of the inimical forces was foiled who faced humiliation due to the Prime Minister’s timely actions.
Terming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as “Tehreek-e-Intishar”, he said its dreams of creation of chaos and anarchy had also been shattered.
“Along with the enemy, the ‘Tehreek-e-Intishar’ also thought that in some way or the other, chaos would spread and there would be anarchy” as its leadership wanted to benefit from the sad situation.
Tarar said that the Prime Minister took all the coalition parties and stake holders on board and heard their views.
“Yesterday’s meeting was attended by all the political leadership including the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir”, he remarked.
The minister said the political leadership and federal ministers resolved the issues through mutual understanding.
The minister said that the prime minister resolved the issue with excellent decision making as the crisis can be eliminated only by timely decisions.
“There is a world of difference between the incompetent government of the past and present elected regime”, he added.
He said that inflation was being controlled by prudent government policies and measures.
The minister maintained that foreign investment was increasing, the stock market was breaking records which proved that the economy was on the right track.
Reduction in inflation is not being digested by certain elements. He said that every conspiracy will be thwarted by the grace of Allah, and all conspirators will be exposed.
Lashing out at the founder of PTI, he said Imran Khan was a convicted prisoner facing trial in several corruption cases. He said that Imran’s letters to the International Monetary Fund or Chief of Army Staff had no significance. He remarked that in the past PTI’s conspiracies regarding IMF loan agreement and GSP plus status failed and in future too such plots will also fail.
“Kashmir is our jugular vein , we will not let any enemy look at it with an evil eye,” he remarked.
To a question, he said that Kashmir issue was being raised at all relevant forums and it should be resolved according to UN resolutions.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred policemen, he said they will be supported.
He said Pakistan’s reputation was being restored, foreign delegations were visiting and foreign investment was increasing gradually thanks to the policies of the government.
To a question he said that the AJK had a special status and its affairs were run with the grant of the federal government.
He said that due to the policies of the government inflation was coming down, which was a positive sign.
Islamabad, 14 May /DNA/ – Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott met at the Zardari House, Islamabad today.
Chairman Bilawal and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott held talks on the promotion of bilateral and socioeconomic relations.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 14 /DNA/ – A special event featuring a performance by young Japanese musician Kenta Shoji was held at the residence of WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan on Tuesday, attended by a number of guests and music lovers.
As the event started, Mr. KENTA first mesmerised the audience with his mastery over playing the piano which was followed by captivating songs that he sung in Japanese, English and Urdu language . The singer from Kyoto, Japan, took the audience by surprise when he sang popular Pakistani hits by Vital Sign “Dil Dil Pakistan” and “Aitebar”and received a great applause from each one the attendees.
Mr. Kenta started playing the piano at the age of 20. He has produced a wide range of vocal/piano songs covering his favourite genres of music such as Soul, R&B, Rock, Pop and Jazz.
In 2022, he launched his album “Skip”. The following year he started travelling around the world performing his music on the streets and at various live music events.
DNA
ISLAMABAD, MAY 14: Anti-Muslim prejudice in the West is largely fueled by biased media portrayal and stereotypical representation, reinforcing negative perceptions. Additionally, political institutions exploit and amplify these prejudices for their own gain, further deepening discriminatory attitudes.
This was observed by Dr Abdul Samad, assistant director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, who delivered a lecture on ‘US Muslims, Their Philanthropic Contributions, and Impact of Islamophobia’ at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). The session was joined by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, and moderated by Abdullah Adnan, research fellow IPS.
Despite comprising only 1.1% of the total population in the US, American Muslims make significant philanthropic contributions. He noted that Muslims in the US face socio-economic challenges but still donate approximately $4.3 billion annually, demonstrating their commitment to charitable causes, including for places of worship, overseas relief, civil rights, domestic relief, Covid-19, and other avenues.
He further underscored the diversity of the Muslim community and the challenges they face due to anti-Muslim sentiments and Islamophobia. Drawing from insights shared by scholar and author Khaled Beydoun, he elaborated on the various dimensions through which Islamophobia is manifested, spanning institutional, community, and private spheres.
At the institutional level, Dr Samad highlighted the impact of anti-Muslim legislation and policies, which perpetuate systemic discrimination against American Muslims. He also pointed out the biased media portrayals and anti-Muslim rhetoric from political figures as the major contributing factors to a hostile climate for Muslims in the country.
Furthermore, he shed light on the challenges faced by Muslims at the community level, including the alarming rise of anti-Muslim hate groups and resistance to refugee resettlement efforts. He emphasized that these community-level challenges are compounded by instances of harassment, hate crimes, bullying, and violence experienced by individuals on a personal or private level.
Such Islamophobic manifestations have largely been constructed by the racialization and stigmatization of Muslims through biased media representation, he stressed. However, the recent Gaza crisis has resulted in a growing movement within the US marked by wider sympathy towards Muslims. Moreover, there is an established system of checks and balances and remedial steps to address prejudice and discrimination at the state level.
Dr Samad also mentioned the significant influence wielded by faith-based organizations worldwide and the collaborative efforts of different religious communities in supporting one another and combating Islamophobia.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of building associations and collaborations between Muslim nonprofit entities. He elaborated on Indiana University’s Community Collaborative Initiative, comprising 25 Muslim organizations, which serves as a cooperative platform to foster philanthropic research, generate diverse philanthropic ideas, and bring together disparate entities to promote sustainability in their efforts to support communities against religious prejudices.
Expanding on the notion of philanthropy, Dr Samad highlighted that the concept of Muslim philanthropy is beyond mere monetary giving. It includes non-monetary actions, including giving one’s time, testimony, and even simple gestures like a smile.
In concluding remarks, Khalid Rahman emphasized the need to examine philanthropy beyond its Western-defined, monetary-centric perspective, acknowledging the rich history of Muslim philanthropy.
He further highlighted the evolving nature of philanthropic practices and noted the shifting dynamics influenced by global politics, particularly the ongoing Gaza crisis, as a pivotal event that has reshaped perspectives and priorities in philanthropy. He noted that philanthropic efforts for Gaza transcend religious boundaries and have overshadowed Islamophobia. With Muslims increasingly viewed as victims, there is a notable shift in public perspectives at the individual level, he said.
