Entrepreneur honoured at UK Parliament for building $1bn company in Pakistan

LONDON: Renowned British Pakistani entrepreneur Shafiq Akbar was honoured here at the UK Parliament in recognition of his contributions to Pakistan’s economy — including the creation of thousands of jobs, real estate sector investments and empowerment of the overseas Pakistani community.

The special ceremony at the House of Lords was led by Lord Shaffaq Mohammed, Baron Mohammed of Tinsley, who presented Akbar with an achievement award for creating thousands of jobs in Pakistan; driving the digital transformation of Pakistan’s real estate industry; leading large-scale developments, including Islamabad’s new downtown and four Marriott Hotels; and building a $1 billion company by investing in Pakistan.

Lord Shaffaq praised Akbar’s leadership: “Shafiq Akbar exemplifies what can be achieved when ambition is rooted in purpose. His contributions reflect the best of what the UK and Pakistan can accomplish together.”

In his acceptance speech, Shafiq Akbar reflected on the meaning behind the honour: “This award represents more than individual recognition — it’s a tribute to the power of connection. Between the UK and Pakistan. Between diaspora identity and service to home. And between vision and real-world results.”

He urged fellow overseas Pakistanis to contribute their expertise back to the country.

Answering questions, Shafiq Akbar said that the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has changed a lot of things for the investors and now resolutions of the issues are being found quickly.

Chairman Youth Parliament of Pakistan, Abrar-ul-Haq, and Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, joined the ceremony virtually.