DUBAI // A prominent Pakistani businessman has been remembered for selflessness and dedication to his community.
Hundreds of Pakistani expatriates, family, friends and well-wishers attended the funeral prayers of Tanvir ul Islam Khwaja on Monday afternoon in Sonapur (Muhaisnah) area in Dubai.
Khwaja, who died on Sunday evening from heart failure aged 64, was founder and president of the Pakistan Business Council Dubai. His body was repatriated on Monday night to his native city of Lahore for burial.
Khwaja had moved to Dubai 38 years ago, in 1977, and he ran businesses in food trade, aviation and real estate industries in the emirate and the Arabian Gulf region. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and one son.
Ahmed Shaikhani, managing director at Memon Investments, a property development company based in Dubai, said Khwaja’s death was a big loss for Pakistani expatriates and the UAE.
“He was always ready to resolve the Pakistani community issues,” said Mr Shaikhani. “We will never overcome his loss.”
Khwaja was sincere about his work, said Iskander Khawaja, executive vice president of PBC Dubai, who said he had known Khwaja for three decades.
“I have never seen such a selfless person who was constantly working for the welfare of the community in the UAE,” said Mr Khawaja.
“He particularly focused on providing quality education to Pakistani children in the UAE. The community will always miss his presence, and we cannot forget his noble contribution for the welfare of Pakistani people in the UAE.”
Khwaja was remembered for his forthrightness by Dr Zia Ul Hasan, president of the Pakistan Association Dubai.
“I have been working with him closely on several community welfare projects for the last four years, and I always found him a dedicated person who was always looking for solutions to resolve issues related to community welfare,” said Dr Ul Hasan.
Iqbal Maladwala, vice chairman of the Pakistan Professionals Wing, part of the Pakistan Association Dubai, said Khwaja was “very well-known and highly respected” by other Pakistani expats, whom he served “relentlessly”.
“His loss will be greatly felt by all members of the community,” said Mr Maladwala.
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
