Umar Farooq Zahoor
Umar Farooq Zahoor | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1975 (age 49–50) |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Other names | عمر فاروق ظہور |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Website | sheikhumarfarooq |
Umar Farooq Zahoor (Urdu: عمر فاروق ظہور; born 1975) is Pakistani-Norwegian businessman.
Zahoor is known for his diverse investments in real estate, IT, energy projects, and agriculture across multiple countries. He has collaborated with Middle Eastern royal families and various heads of state in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. Zahoor gained prominence in Pakistan after revealing that he purchased a valuable Graff watch—originally a gift from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Farah Khan—for approximately $2 million. This disclosure drew significant attention in political and business circles.[1]
Early life
Zahoor was born in Norway to Pakistani parents from Sialkot, Pakistan. He initially studied in Norway before moving to the Middle East.[1]
Career
In May 2023, a Lahore judicial magistrate acquitted Zahoor in two money laundering and fraud cases. These cases, initiated in June 2020, alleged financial crimes amounting to approximately Rs16 billion. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) informed the court that their investigations found no evidence implicating Zahoor in fraud, money laundering, or corruption, leading to the cancellation of the First Information Reports (FIRs) against him.[2]
Recognition
In August 2023, Zahoor received a medal from President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.[3]
In August 2024, it was reported that President Asif Zardari approved the Hilal-e-Imtiaz award for Zahoor for his role in the Toshakhana reference case against Imran Khan.[4]
References
- ^ a b "Who is Dubai-based tycoon Umar Farooq Zahoor?". www.geo.tv. 19 November 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ^ Shah, Murtaza Ali (11 May 2023). "Umar Farooq Zahoor acquitted in two money laundering cases". Geo.tv. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ Widerøe, Rolf J.; Tobiassen, Markus (29 August 2024). "Etterlyst av Norge – får æresmedalje i Pakistan". VG (in Norwegian). Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ^ "Umar Farooq approved for Hilal-e-Imtiaz for exposing Toshakhana case". The Express Tribune. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.