Aqeel Karim Dhedhi
Aqeel Karim Dhedhi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Aqeel Karim Dhedhi 18 July 1957 Karachi |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Residence(s) | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | AKD Group, AKD Securities, AKD Capital |
| Website | aqeelkarimdhedhi |
Aqeel Karim Dhedhi (Urdu: عقیل کریم ڈھیڈی; born 18 July 1957) is a Pakistani business tycoon and stock trader who is the chairman of the AKD Group.[1]
Early life and career
[edit]Dhedhi was born into a Kutiyana Memon family who migrated to Pakistan in 1947 from Junagadh.[2] His father, Haji Abdul Karim Dhedhi, founded AKD Group. He completed his schooling at Karachi and began his career by taking part in export business with his brother. He started cotton business projects when he was in seventh class. He started trading at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) in 1976. In 1984, he built his own office in Karachi Stock Exchange. He became a stokebroker in 1986. He served on the board of the KSE in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2001.
In November 2013, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi laid down the foundation stone of new building of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE).[3]
Awards and recognition
[edit]Dhedhi was awarded the "Sitara-e-Esaar" by then president Gen. Pervez Musharraf for his services during the devastating earthquake that hit the northern areas of Pakistan in October 2005.[4] He has also been awarded honorary PhD (Honoris Cause) degrees by private institutes like Biztek Institute of Higher Education and the Indus Institute of Higher Education.[citation needed]
On 23 March 2019, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi was among the few Pakistanis who were awarded with Sitara-i-Imtiaz for their matchless services to the nation.[5]
Charity work
[edit]Dhedhi is involved with groups including community based assistance, health services, leadership development of deserving younger generation, and women empowerment.[6] He is a trustee and member of the Board of Directors of The Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital; The Indus Hospital; World Memon Organization and the Resource Development Committee of Agha Khan University Hospital.[7]
Air Karachi
[edit]Air Karachi is a new Pakistani airline seeking a Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to begin domestic and international flights. The airline is backed by local investors and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). They plan to offer both passenger and cargo services, with initial plans to operate with three leased aircraft.[8]
Air Karachi is a new venture in Pakistan's aviation sector, with investors announcing an initial seed funding of PKR 5 billion.[9] The airline has applied for an RPT license from the CAA, which is necessary to operate commercial flights.[10] Air Karachi intends to start with domestic flights and expand to international routes in the future.[10] The airline plans to begin operations with a fleet of three leased aircraft.[8] Former Southern Commander (retd) Air Vice Marshal Imran has been appointed as the CEO of Air Karachi.[10] Key shareholders include Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib, SM Tanveer, and others.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Asif, Haseeb (11 September 2016). "The outsider: The life of business tycoon Aqeel Karim Dhedhi". Dawn. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
- ^ Asif, Haseeb (11 September 2016). "The outsider: The life of business tycoon Aqeel Karim Dhedhi". Dawn. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
- ^ "AKD Lays Foundation Stone of New KSE Building".
- ^ "Musharraf gives away rescue, relief awards". Business Recorder.
- ^ "Dawn News".
- ^ "Aqeel Karim Dhedhi". Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
- ^ Brands Magazine. "MPC Discussion Panel's Profile". Mera Pakistan.
- ^ a b "Air Karachi emerges as latest would-be Pakistani start-up". ch-aviation. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "5 Billion Initial Investment Announced for Air Karachi Top Businessmen to Launch Much Needed World-Class Airline Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI – FPCCI". Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d Uddin, Salah (17 February 2025). "'Air Karachi': New airline seeks license to operate flights in Pakistan". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 28 April 2025.