The latest property leaks have revealed that several notable Pakistanis, including politicians, former military personnel, bankers, and bureaucrats, own luxury properties in Dubai.
This information comes from the Dubai Unlocked project by OCCRP, estimating the combined value of these properties owned by Pakistanis at around $11 billion. The project analyzed data on hundreds of thousands of Dubai properties, focusing on individual ownership rather than corporate holdings or properties in commercial areas.
The data, obtained by the Centre for Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS) and shared with media outlets globally, uncovered a range of individuals with ties to Pakistan who own real estate in Dubai. Among those listed are the children of former President Asif Ali Zardari, Hussain Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s wife, and several current and former political figures.
The investigation also revealed details about property ownership and transactions involving prominent individuals, including retired military officials and business figures. For example, President Zardari received a property as a gift, which was later transferred to his daughter. The disclosures highlight the complexities and potential legal implications surrounding overseas property ownership.
While owning property abroad is not illegal, the revelations have sparked discussions about transparency and accountability, especially in the context of declarations required for public officials. Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for investment and innovation contrasts with concerns about the potential misuse of legal systems for personal gain. It’s essential to address such issues to ensure fairness and integrity within the real estate sector and broader governance frameworks.