Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'Profound grief' for family of British-Pakistani father and son on Titanic sub

Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman, 19, are members of the Dawood dynasty

'Profound grief' for family of British-Pakistani father and son on Titanic sub

THE family of the British-Pakistani father and son among the five people who died on the Titanic tourist submersible expressed "profound grief" at their loss Friday (23).

Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman, 19, are members of the Dawood dynasty, owners of an industrial empire that is one of the most profitable in Pakistan.


"It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood," said a statement from the Dawood Foundation, a family-run education charity.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers on the Titan submersible," it read, signed by Hussain and Kulsum Dawood, Shahzada's parents.

"We are truly grateful to all those involved in the rescue operations. Their untiring efforts were a source of strength for us during this time."

Hussain Dawood is one of Pakistan's richest men and head of the Engro Corporation which has an array of interests in energy, agriculture, petrochemicals and telecommunications.

At the end of 2022, the firm posted revenue of $1.2 billion.

In a statement, Engro said it was mourning Shahzada -- who served as vice-chairman -- and "his beloved son" Suleman "with heavy hearts and great sadness".

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, friends, and all those around the world who grieve this unthinkable loss."

Shahzada also served as a trustee of the California-based Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, which looks for evidence of alien life.

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the loss of our dear friend," said CEO Bill Diamond in a statement.

"Shahzada was passionately curious and an enthusiastic supporter of the SETI Institute and our mission, being directly involved in philanthropic programs in education, research and public outreach."

"He will be deeply missed by all who knew him," the statement added.

Educated in the UK and the US, Shahzada lived in Britain with his wife Christine, Suleman, and his daughter Alina.

Both father and son had British citizenship, according to a family statement released when the search was still under way.

It described Shahzada as a "loving father" with a keen interest in "photography, especially wildlife photography, and exploring different natural habitats".

The family said Suleman was "a big fan of science fiction literature and learning new things".

Since the 1960s, the Dawood Foundation has focused on establishing educational institutions across Pakistan -- particularly catering to the demand for engineers and technology experts.

Shahzada was also on the board of Prince's Trust International -- a charity founded by Britain's King Charles III that helps young people get jobs and education.

In February 2020, he was a keynote speaker on a panel at the United Nations on gender equality in agriculture.

US-based OceanGate, which operated the vessel, issued a statement saying there were no survivors among the five men aboard the Titan, including the company's founder and chief executive officer, Stockton Rush, who was piloting the Titan.

The other victims were British billionaire and explorer Hamish Harding, 58 and French oceanographer and renowned Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, who had visited the wreck dozens of times.

(AFP)

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less