Latest news with #HussainDawood
Business Recorder
04-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Hussain Dawood lauds Pak-China partnership at WEF summit
KARACHI: Chairman of Engro, Hussain Dawood, appreciates enduring China-Pakistan partnership at WEF summit with Chinese Premier, Li Qiang. Hussain Dawood was invited to speak at a Special Dialogue with Li Qiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China, during the World Economic Forum's 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions. During the session Dawood reaffirmed the enduring all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan. He shared that, in 2013, he was privileged to be part of the delegation to China led by Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, which laid the foundation for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This landmark initiative has delivered sustained prosperity to both countries, with $62 billion invested in energy and infrastructure projects connecting Kashgar in western China to the deep-sea port of Gwadar in Pakistan. In his remarks, Dawood reiterated Engro's contributions to CPEC projects with key Chinese partners, including China Machinery Engineering Corporation. He further underscored that the cornerstone of these partnerships is mutual trust and openness to long-term planning. Engro's active participation in transformational projects with Chinese partners reflects its commitment to inclusive progress that unlocks a brighter future for all. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
10-06-2025
- Politics
He lost his son and grandson in the Titan tragedy. Then he quietly paid for a new mosque for the community that helped him mourn.
Headlines Latest News Podcasts (new window) Hussain Dawood lost his son and grandson in the Titan tragedy. Then he quietly paid for a new mosque for the N.L community that helped him mourn. Photo: CBC As international media crews clustered along the St. John's harbour front in June 2023, fixated on broadcasting the Titan catastrophe to the world, there was a quiet mourning taking place in another part of the city. Two of the passengers aboard that ill-fated submersible, which imploded off the coast of Newfoundland during a descent to visit the Titanic wreck, were a father and son, Shahzada and Suleman Dawood. Their family had flown in from London. As a search for survivors became a recovery effort, they turned to the only mosque in St. John's for a funeral service. There, they prayed through their profound loss beside people they'd never met before, and found solace. Red the full report (new window) Beginning of list of 13 items. Skip list? He lost his son and grandson in the Titan tragedy. Then he quietly paid for a new mosque for the community that helped him mourn. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg deported from Israel, denounces Gaza 'war crimes' The man behind 50 years of ferrying West Coast Trail hikers Robert Miller, billionaire accused of sex crimes, unfit to stand trial, judge rules Canada, allies sanctioning 2 Israeli ministers over Gaza comments F-35 program facing skyrocketing costs, pilot shortage and infrastructure deficit: AG report Fewer Americans are visiting Canada. Ad campaigns assure them they're welcome here This Palestinian boy lost his eye to an unexploded bomb. Thousands of tonnes of explosives may remain in Gaza She came to Canada for university, but she'd never been accepted. The scam cost her $7K Dentists praise Canadian Dental Care program, but also express concern over influx of new patients Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman invited to G7 summit in Alberta: sources They fled their home countries to report from the safety of the U.S. Now, they fear they're in danger Defence targets E.M.'s credibility, judge questions 'consent videos' shown at world juniors sex assault trial End of list of 13 items. Back to beginning of list? 8 other crew members will be held in a detention centre ahead of a court hearing. 81-year-old has late-stage Parkinson's disease. 3 hours ago Courts and Crime Several countries freeze assets, impose travel bans on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. AG Karen Hogan's report also says contracts awarded to GCStrategies didn't deliver value for money. Quebec TV ad features a local hotel clerk warmly hugging an American tourist.
CBC
10-06-2025
- General
- CBC
A mosque, in memory
Atlantic Voice He lost his son and grandson in the Titan tragedy. Then he quietly paid for a new mosque for the community that helped him mourn. At an early morning Eid al-Adha prayer service, the sun shines through the stained glass windows in the Shaheed Suleman Dawood mosque, formally the Mary Queen of Peace Rossiter/CBC Caroline Hillier Jun. 10, 2025 As international media crews clustered along the St. John's harbour front in June 2023, fixated on broadcasting the Titan catastrophe to the world, there was a quiet mourning taking place in another part of the city. Two of the passengers aboard that ill-fated submersible, which imploded off the coast of Newfoundland during a descent to visit the Titanic wreck, were a father and son, Shahzada and Suleman Dawood. Their family had flown in from London. As a search for survivors became a recovery effort, they turned to the only mosque in St. John's for a funeral service. There, they prayed through their profound loss beside people they'd never met before, and found solace. 'In the Muslim community, there are no strangers,' said Hussain Dawood, the father of Shahzada and grandfather of Suleman. 'Even though you don't know them, they could be from the other side of the world, but you're one community.' The funeral sparked a lasting relationship and grew into something much larger: a long-awaited expansion for the city's growing Muslim community that many involved see as pre-destined. In 2023, the Titan submersible implosion grabbed the world's attention. But there's another side to the story you might not know about: How the family of two of the victims found solace with the St. John's Muslim community, and ended up making a generous, and much needed, gift. That's all in The Best of Planners, a documentary from Caroline Hillier. That expansion, now on the cusp of opening, is named in honour of the Titan's youngest victim, who was 19 years old: the Shaheen Suleman Dawood Mosque. Just as the funeral went mostly unnoticed, the origin story of this mosque is largely untold, despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding the Titan disaster, even two years later. Friendship from tragedy Hussain Dawood is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a deeply religious man, who finds comfort in believing his son and grandson are both in heaven. 'My creator was so gracious to bless us with two beautiful souls and it was a gift. And it's his right to take it back,' Dawood said during a video interview with the CBC from London, U.K. Dawood often references teachings from the Quran when explaining how his Muslim faith helps him understand grief, life and loss. 'You never get to the bottom of it because it's too deep, but it's a book of wisdom,' he said. That wisdom has helped him cope with the tragedy of the Titan. The submersible, built and owned by the private company OceanGate, offered $250,000 US tours to the Titanic wreck. But it had been built out of carbon fibre, an unconventional material for such deep-sea dives. On its 14th dive to the Titanic, the Titan imploded shortly after the June 18 launch. Hussain Dawood speaks to CBC News about the aftermath of the Titan tragedy and how the world came together. All on board — including OceanGate's CEO — were killed instantly. In that, Dawood sees mercy. 'I don't think any of the five even knew what was happening. It is so instantaneous. It's too fast for the brain to process,' he said. In the Muslim faith, funerals are held shortly after death, and so it was important to the Dawoods to make arrangements as soon as possible. Hussain contacted the existing mosque in St. John's, and Syed Mansoon Pirzada. Pirzada, the longstanding president of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador at the time, arranged the prayer and spread word through the community, but not to the media. 'He took it upon himself, and he and his very gracious wife, and they looked after us and they arranged everything,' said Dawood. 'We spent quite a bit of time with them…. we made sure that they were comfortable,' said Pirzada. 'Mr. Hussain Dawood was poised in the face of this loss, and Mrs. Dawood, her tears were non-stop flowing and it was heartbreaking to see,' said Amnah Pirzada, Syed's wife. 'We were sitting with them and talking to them and holding their hand sometimes.' Amnah remembers being touched by the funeral service. 'It was beautiful and quiet and I think they felt that peace. It gave them a bit of closure,' she said. Even after the Dawoods departed St. John's, they and the Pirzadas kept in touch. When both families find themselves in the same city — be it Dubai or Karachi — they meet up. From cross to crescent St. John's first and only mosque at the time of the funeral, Masjid Al Noor, managed to accommodate all the mourners. But that is far from the building's normal operations. The mosque was built in 1989 for the 100 or so Muslim families living in the area at the time. In the decades since, that community has grown exponentially. Now numbering more than 10,000 members, the mosque regularly overflows for Friday prayers. Worshippers use the kitchen, and sometimes the lawn, covering these extra spaces with their prayer mats. Prayers for big celebrations, like Eid, are held at sporting complexes. Fifteen years ago, the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador hatched plans for a new mosque, raising funds and even buying land. But those plans stumbled and eventually stalled due to city regulations and other setbacks. But then came a call from a real estate agent, with an unusual offer: a former Catholic church, Mary Queen of Peace, was on the market. And it might just fit their needs. The church, too, had ties to tragedy: it was initially sold off in 2022, along with other Catholic properties, to pay settlement suits for victims of the Mount Cashel orphanage. The sexual abuse of children there, at the hands of the Christian Brothers that ran it, exploded into the public eye in 1989. Legal proceedings are still working their way through the courts. After the initial sale of Mary Queen of Peace, plans to renovate it faltered, and it was this second chance at the property the association leapt on. 'We said that yes, we are interested. And then we started thinking about how much money do we have and how much funds we can collect so quickly,' said Pirzada. The Muslim association had an opportunity, but also a hurdle. Islamic law doesn't allow for loans that involve interest — like mortgages — and the association didn't have enough money to buy the building outright. images expandThe Muslim community in St. John's is diverse, made up of people from Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and other countries around the world. Now friends, Pirzada told Hussain Dawood about the potential purchase, and complication, over a phone call. '[Pirzada] said that there is a church available, we have a limited time frame and he looked quite worried that they would lose this opportunity,' said Dawood, who is from one of richest families in Pakistan. Dawood offered to pay for the church. 'If this is what we can do to show our gratefulness for all that you've done… we'll happily participate,' Dawood said. 'That's what we did. So I just sent him the money.' Pirzada and the association were shocked about the generous donation. The sale went through in December 2024, for nearly $2.2 million. 'This was a gift from — not only a huge gift from Mr. Hussain Dawood's family — but also, I believe, that it was a gift from God to our community,' said Pirzada. Pillars of the faith Charity isn't just encouraged in Islam; it's mandatory. Hussain Dawood said his donation to the St. John's Muslim community was simply in line with the Quran. 'I did them no favour,' said Dawood. 'It's just working with the community for hopefully the betterment of all members of the community. And I consider it is their graciousness that they're giving my grandson's name to the mosque." As charity is a pillar of Islam, so too is the belief of destiny — signifying that everything is predetermined by God's knowledge and will. Though the failed attempts at building a new mosque through the years were frustrating, Pirzada believes that this church was destined to be a mosque. 'That's what we believe, that there's one plan which a person makes, or a human being makes. But there is another plan which is made by Allah, or God, and he is the best of the planners,' said Pirzada. Open for Eid After church pews had been lugged out and carpets rolled up, the Shaheed Suleman Mosque opened its doors for the first time on March 30, for Eid al Fitr, the celebration following the holy month of Ramadan. Over the course of two services, nearly 7,000 people come through the doors — where the cross handles have been replaced with Arabic calligraphy — to pray, and many offer extra prayers for the Dawood family and their loss. 'Yes, we are all destined to die. But sometimes our deaths can facilitate, can pave a ground for other people to become hopeful,' said Ayse Sule Akinturk, an executive member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Muslim Association. 'On the one hand, two souls are lost, you know, in such a tragic event. And then that sense of loss becomes a sense of hope for the entire community here.' The cross on top of the building has been replaced with a crescent moon. The former confession booth is now an audio-visual room, with new security system screens. Some history will live on, however, with a space dedicated to display parts of the building's Catholic past. 'Never in my wildest dreams' While the mosque reopened for Eid al Adha prayers on June 6, it remains under renovation and is not yet being used for daily prayers. The new space will also offer education and religious programs, to be named for Shahzada Dawood. And for the official opening of the Shaheed Suleman Mosque, there are celebration plans in the works to involve both local Muslim and non-Muslim communities. 'It's going to bring forth something very beautiful, with every prayer, whoever is going to attend the prayer, rewards will be sent to the entire family,' said Amnah Pirzada. There will also be a special invitation to that opening sent to the Dawoods. 'I would never in my wildest dreams have thought of going to St. John's and meeting such wonderful people over there,' said Hussain Dawood. That encounter has left its mark: with the mosque, and with him. 'Life is not black and white and it's not a straight line. It's full of complexities.' Credits Audio documentary produced by Caroline Hillier with help from Lindsay Bird and Liz Hoath. Photography by Mike Rossiter. Copy editing by Lindsay Bird and Mike Moore. Video produced by Stephanie Kinsella and edited by Katie Breen. Layout by Katie Rowe. About the Author Footer Links My Account Profile CBC Gem Newsletters Connect with CBC Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Mobile RSS Podcasts Contact CBC Submit Feedback Help Centre Audience Relations, CBC P.O. 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Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Engro approves partnership with Jazz to expand telecom infrastructure
KARACHI: Engro Holdings Limited has announced that Engro Corporation Limited has secured all approvals for its strategic partnership with Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited ('Jazz') and its parent company, VEON Group to expand telecom infrastructure, paving the way for Pakistan's digital future. With this approval and through a Scheme of Arrangement, Jazz's shareholding in Deodar (Private) Limited, which houses its telecom infrastructure assets, will vest with Engro Connect (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of Engro Corporation. In line with previous disclosures, this amalgamation marks a significant private-sector investment in Pakistan, and with all approvals secured, millions of Pakistanis are now poised to benefit from the efficiencies of shared infrastructure. By accessing Engro's combined portfolio of over 14,000 towers, all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) will have equal access to a high-quality, nationwide infrastructure platform. This will enable them to reduce capital and operating expenditures, focus on enhancing service quality, and pass cost efficiencies onto customers, helping millions more Pakistanis come online. As demand and technology continue to evolve, Engro's extensive tower platform is also well-positioned to support future innovations. Around the world, telecom towers are already being used for more than just mobile signals from powering smart cities to strengthening community infrastructure. Beyond today's connectivity needs, Engro is preparing for tomorrow's possibilities, reaffirming our commitment to Pakistan's economic development and to its enduring promise as a land of opportunity and resilience. Pakistan is standing at the threshold of a digital future, where financial inclusion takes off, start-ups can emerge from any corner, students can learn from global classrooms, and families can access healthcare remotely. This is a moment of shared progress and a reflection of the fact that Pakistan has a powerful growth story to tell. On this development, Chairman of Engro, Hussain Dawood, has said that this investment further reinforces commitment to this great nation, where we believe in investing in connectivity which is the foundation of our digital future. It gives our people the empowerment, enablement, and environment to take control of their lives and thrive, he added. CEO of Engro Holdings, Abdul Samad Dawood, remarked, 'Prosperity and progress increasingly rely on technology and connectivity and with this milestone, Engro strengthens its role as an enabler of Pakistan's progress. This investment reinforces telecom infrastructure as a key vertical for us and we are keen on expanding access, empowering communities, and future proofing the infrastructure that will drive growth for generations to come, he added. President and CEO of Engro Corporation, Ahsan Zafar Syed has said that venturing into this sector in 2018 was a bold leap for Engro into uncharted territory. But this achievement is a testament to what belief, partnership, and perseverance can deliver made possible by the dedication of our teams. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Khaleej Times
25-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Hussain Dawood conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz for philanthropy
Renowned philanthropist Hussain Dawood has been awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan's highest civilian honours, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the nation. A tireless advocate for education reform, Dawood has dedicated himself to transforming learning opportunities at the grassroots level. Aware that science, research, and innovation form the backbone of national progress—fields where Pakistan has historically lagged—he spearheaded the creation of the TDF MagnifiScience Centre. This pioneering initiative aims to make science education accessible and engaging for children and young adults alike. Dawood's family has a long-standing commitment to educational development. Their efforts include the establishment of the Dawood College of Engineering and Technology (later nationalised and elevated to university status) and Dawood Public School, which has provided high-quality education for girls since the 1980s. In recent years, he was instrumental in founding the Karachi School of Business & Leadership, an institution focused on cultivating character-driven leadership for Pakistan's private and social sectors. Beyond his philanthropic work, Dawood has played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan's economic landscape. Under his leadership over the past two decades, Engro Corporation has invested in key sectors such as fertilizers, food, energy, petrochemicals, and telecom infrastructure. These ventures have not only provided employment to thousands but have also contributed significantly to the country's economic growth. Known for his commitment to truth and transparency, Dawood believes that Pakistan's global reputation depends on openly addressing its challenges. In 2020, he pledged ₹1 billion to support Pakistan's COVID-19 response, directing funds towards relief efforts for underprivileged communities and frontline healthcare workers. It is heartening to see visionary leaders like Hussain Dawood recognised for their unwavering dedication to the nation's development and well-being.
