Pakistani businessman
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
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
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
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]
References
