American-Pakistani business magnate Tanweer Ahmed has been a prominent figure in the news this week following revelations by Geo News that he engaged in multiple confidential meetings with former premier Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in October of last year, with the aim of identifying common ground for a breakthrough.
In a report published on April 14 of this year, Geo News had previously disclosed that Ahmed conducted several rounds of discussions with Khan, and these talks progressed favorably until an abrupt halt occurred after certain PTI leaders provided Khan with what were deemed unrealistic counsel.
Since his interview was aired on Geo News, the businessman has become the subject of intense scrutiny on social media platforms and Pakistani television talk shows. Numerous allegations have been leveled against him, including claims of his support for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).
Sources have corroborated that Tanweer Ahmed has actively participated in several high-profile lobbying endeavors pertaining to Pakistan and the United States, yet he has not extended support to any specific Pakistani political party. Instead, he has collaborated with various Pakistani administrations to foster improved relations between Pakistan and the United States.
Aleema Khan, Imran’s sister, confirmed on Wednesday that Tanweer Ahmed indeed met with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. Speaking to Geo News outside Adiala Jail after her own meeting with Imran Khan, Aleema disclosed that Tanweer is a significant donor to NAMAL University. Furthermore, he has made substantial contributions to the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, but not to the PTI directly.
Aleema also mentioned that Tanweer Ahmed has contributed nearly $10 million in donations to Islamabad’s National University of Science & Technology (NUST). She was referring to the donation for which Field Marshal Asim Munir last year expressed gratitude to Tanweer Ahmed, stating: “Pakistan is proud of heroes like you.”
This acknowledgement followed NUST’s confirmation that Tanweer had established a partnership with the university through an Endowment Fund dedicated to underprivileged students. This initiative is set to benefit approximately 200 students annually who will receive scholarships. The $9 million donation represents one of the largest single contributions by any overseas Pakistani to a Pakistani university.
The Army Chief conveyed to Mr. Ahmed: “Your support to NUST in establishing the Science and Technology Park, expansion of campuses, and partnership for assisting financially challenged students are praiseworthy initiatives, meriting due recognition. Indeed, through this venture not only will NUST gain further strength but it will also enable many students to bear their expenditures. Your efforts in the domains of humanitarian assistance and interest in academia of Pakistan are a true reflection and favor for the people of Pakistan.”
Tanweer is an American-Pakistani businessman, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who engages with major corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and hospitals. He is the proprietor of the largest cricket complex in Houston, the Prairie View Cricket Complex, and the owner of the Houston Hurricanes cricket franchise.
He also owns California’s largest transport company and holds business interests in both the energy sector and the medicine industry. Tanweer Ahmed is credited with providing over $50 million in aid to Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2022.
Tanweer Ahmed’s journey in the US began modestly when he migrated from Sialkot as a student and settled in San Francisco. He launched his food business, which expanded from a single outlet to 153 stores across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas, employing over 5,000 individuals, making him one of America’s largest fast-food franchise owners.
Concurrently, Ahmed established insurance companies and also invested in energy production businesses in Texas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. It was in 2018 when he announced his plans to construct the largest cricket complex in the US, acquiring 86 acres of land not far from the main Houston city area.
