A global investigative journalism project titled ‘Dubai Unlocked’ has unveiled the extensive property holdings of the global elite in Dubai, including a significant number of Pakistani nationals. This project, based on data from 2020 and 2022, exposes the ownership of properties by various political figures, sanctioned individuals, and alleged criminals. The investigation was conducted by the Centre for Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS) and coordinated by Norwegian financial outlet E24 and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). Reporters from 74 media outlets in 58 countries participated in this six-month investigation, with The News and Dawn representing Pakistan.
The ‘Dubai Unlocked’ project reveals that Pakistanis own properties in Dubai valued at around $11 billion. This revelation includes a range of high-profile individuals, from political leaders to retired military officials and business figures.
Notable Pakistani Property Owners
1. Asif Ali Zardari’s Children:
- Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
- Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari
- Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari
These properties were inherited from their mother, the late Benazir Bhutto, who lived in exile in Dubai.
2. Hussain Nawaz Sharif:
- Son of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
3. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s Wife:
- Owns a five-bedroom villa in Arabian Ranches, purchased in 2017 and sold in 2023.
4. Sharjeel Memon and Family:
- Senior Sindh Minister, with declared assets.
5. Senator Faisal Vawda:
- Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.
6. Farah Gogi:
- Political figure.
7. Sher Afzal Marwat:
- Political figure.
8. Gen Pervez Musharraf (late):
- Former military dictator, owned properties in Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, and Al Thanyah Fifth.
9. Lt-Gen Shafaat Ullah Shah:
- Former military secretary, owned property with his son as co-owner.
10. Maj Gen Ehtasham Zameer:
- Former DG-C during Musharraf’s era, along with his children.
11. Lt-Gen Afzal Muzaffar’s Son:
- Known for involvement in the NLC scandal.
12. IGP Azad Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Sohail Habib Tajik:
- Owns property purchased while working with the UN.
13. Former President of NBP Arif Usmani:
- Owns a penthouse.
14. Lt-Gen Muhammad Akram:
- Owns property in Elite Residences 4.
15. Lt-Gen Alam Jan Mehsud and Spouse:
- Own a five-bedroom apartment in Palm Jumeirah.
16. Maj Gen Ghazanfar Ali Khan:
- Owns property in S15 Building Al Warsan First.
17. Major Gen Raja Muhammad Arif Nazir:
- Owns property in Golf Promenade 2-A, Al Hebiah third area.
18. Air Vice Marshal Saleem Tariq:
- Owns property.
19. Air Vice Marshal Khalid Masood Rajput:
- Owns property.
20. Major Gen Muhammad Farooq:
- Owns property.
21. Major Gen Anis Bajwa’s Spouse:
- Owns property.
22. Maj Gen Najam-ul-Hassan Shah:
- Owns property.
23. Former Chairman of OGDCL Zahid Muzaffar:
- Owns property.
24. Chairman PCST Syed Anwar-ul Hassan Gillani:
- Owns property.
25. Abdul Ghani Majid:
- Business tycoon co-accused in fake accounts case, gifted property to Zardari.
26. Altaf Khanani Network:
- Sanctioned for money laundering, several family members own properties.
27. Hamid Mukhtar Shah:
- Sanctioned physician involved in human trafficking, owns multiple properties.
The data obtained by C4ADS and analyzed by journalists revealed that Pakistani nationals own approximately 23,000 residential properties in Dubai. This places them second only to Indian nationals in terms of foreign property ownership in Dubai. The combined value of properties owned by Pakistanis is estimated at $11 billion.
Verification and Responses
The project’s reporters verified the identities and ownership status of the individuals listed in the data. The investigation focused on individuals convicted or accused of crimes, facing sanctions, or holding public office. The revelations have sparked discussions about financial transparency and the need for accountability among high-profile individuals.
Responses from Individuals:
- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claimed that his wife’s properties were declared in tax returns and with relevant authorities.
- Senator Faisal Vawda termed the leaks as propaganda and questioned the timing of the revelations.
- Sharjeel Memon stated that his assets are already declared and publicly known.
The ‘Dubai Unlocked’ project underscores the need for greater transparency in property ownership and financial transactions. It highlights the role of investigative journalism in uncovering hidden assets and potential financial misconduct.