Tycoon Tanweer Ahmed donor of NAMAL but no link with PTI, says Aleema Khan

LONDON: American-Pakistani businessman tycoon Tanweer Ahmed has been in headlines this week after Geo News revealed that he held multiple secret meetings with former premier Imran Khan in Adiala Jail in October last year to find grounds for a breakthrough.

In a story published on April 14 this year, Geo News had revealed that Ahmed held several rounds of talks with Khan and talks progressed positively till a sudden breakdown after a few PTI leaders gave unrealistic advice to Khan.

Since his interview was aired on Geo News, the businessman has been in the eye of a storm on social media and Pakistani TV talk shows. Several allegations have been made against him, including that he has been a supporter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

Sources have confirmed that Tanweer Ahmed has taken part in several high-profile lobbying efforts related to Pakistan and the United States, but he has not supported any Pakistani political party. However, he has worked with the various Pakistani administrations to improve Pakistan's relations with the United States.

Aleema Khan, Imran's sister, on Wednesday confirmed that Tanweer Ahmed had actually met Imran Khan in Adiala jail. Speaking to Geo News outside Adiala Jail after meeting Imran Khan, Aleema revealed that Tanweer was a major donor to NAMAL University. He has also given large donations to Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, but not to the PTI.

Aleema also mentioned that Tanweer Ahmed has given nearly $10 million donation to Islamabad’s National University of Science & Technology (NUST).

She was referring to the donation for which Field Marshal Asim Munir last year thanked Tanweer Ahmed saying: “Pakistan is proud of heroes like you.”

This happened after NUST confirmed that Tanweer has entered into a partnership with the university through an Endowment Fund for unprivileged students which will benefit nearly 200 students who would be able to get scholarships every year. The $9 million donation is one of the single largest donations by any overseas Pakistani to any Pakistani university.

The Army Chief told 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, meeting due recognition. Indeed, through this venture not only will NUST gain further strength but will also enable many students to bear their expenditures. Your efforts in the domains of humanitarian assistance and interest in academia of Pakistan is a true reflection and favour for the people of Pakistan.”

Tanweer is an American-Pakistani businessman, investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist who works with major companies, not-for-profit organisations and hospitals. He is the owner of the largest cricket complex in Houston, the Prairie View Cricket Complex and the owner of the Houston Hurricanes cricket franchise.  

He owns California’s largest transport company and has business interests in the energy sector and the medicine industry. Tanweer Ahmed is credited with taking over $50 million in aid to Pakistan during the 2022 devastating floods in Pakistan.

Tanweer Ahmed started on a humble note in the US when he migrated from Sialkot as a student and settled in San Francisco. He started his food business, which grew from one store to 153 stores in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas, with over 5,000 employees, making him one of the largest fast-food franchise owners in America.

Simultaneously, Ahmed set up insurance companies and also invested in energy production businesses in Texas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. It was in 2018 when he announced plans to construct the largest cricket complex in the US. He acquired 86 acres of land, not very far from the main Houston city area.