Today, we Grieve the loss of Shahzada Dawood, a remarkable Pakistani individual who made significant contributions to both business and philanthropy, leaving an enduring impact on society. Tragically, Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Suleman, lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean, along with three other adventurers: Hamish Harding, a British businessman and explorer, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a French deep-sea explorer and Titanic expert, and Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, the owner of the submersible they were aboard.
Shahzada Dawood had a deep fascination with the Titanic, the legendary ocean liner that sank in 1912 after colliding with an iceberg. On Father’s Day this year, he embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition with his son to explore the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and witness the wreck up close. Tragically, the submersible named RMS Titan, in which they were travelling, lost contact an hour after descending. Despite search and rescue efforts, the US Coast Guard announced the heartbreaking news that the submersible had imploded due to a catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.
In a written statement, Shahzada Dawood’s family expressed their profound grief and gratitude to the rescuers for their efforts.
Shahzada Dawood, A successful businessman in the world,
Shahzada Dawood had a highly successful career in the business world, particularly at Engro Corporation, where he served as a director for 20 years, including two years as vice chairman. Born in Rawalpindi in 1975, he was widely respected for his business acumen and had spoken at prominent platforms such as the World Economic Forum and the United Nations.
However, it is his philanthropic endeavours that will leave a lasting legacy. Shahzada Dawood dedicated himself to making a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals through The Dawood Foundation, his family’s philanthropic organization. Guided by his upbringing and personal values, he transformed communities and uplifted lives through strategic initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster relief, arts, culture, and social welfare.
Shahzada Dawood played a crucial role in promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, particularly during his tenure at Engro Corporation. He believed in the power of collaboration and collective action, forging partnerships to amplify the impact of his initiatives. His visionary approach inspired others to join the cause of creating a more equitable and compassionate world.
While his passing leaves a void in the philanthropic community, Shahzada Dawood’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the institutions he established, and the spirit of giving he instilled in others. His profound impact on philanthropy will continue to inspire future generations, reminding us of the power we hold to create positive change.
