British-Pakistani philanthropist and entrepreneur Asif Rangoonwala has been awarded the prestigious Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour by King Charles III. Rangoonwala received this recognition for his extensive philanthropic contributions in the United Kingdom and South Asia, particularly in Pakistan.
As the vice chair of the British Asian Trust (BAT), a charity founded by the King, Rangoonwala was acknowledged in the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2024. The accolade celebrates his commitment to charity and philanthropy.
In his acceptance statement, Rangoonwala expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. I will strive to further our mission of creating a more equitable and compassionate world.”
Rangoonwala attributed his dedication to public service to the legacy of his parents. “Public service is a legacy I inherit from my parents as they were devoted to helping others and social causes,” he remarked. He highlighted the impactful work his foundation has undertaken, especially in Karachi’s education sector, where numerous underprivileged children have benefited from various initiatives. “We plan to increase the scope and nature of our work,” he added.
Rangoonwala also emphasized the need for more recognition of British Pakistanis. “We are one of the most integrated communities in the UK and we play a vital role in all areas of public life. We will be working to bring out more heroes and role models from our communities,” he said, noting that many Pakistanis in the UK are doing exceptional work and deserve acknowledgment.
Alongside Rangoonwala, another vice chair of the British Asian Trust, Shalni Arora, was honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her efforts in advancing the Trust’s mission to combat poverty and inequality. Arora expressed her gratitude, stating, “This award is a testament not just to me but to the incredible work of so many partners. Together, we strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate society, and I share this award with everyone who has supported our mission.”
Lord Jitesh Gadhia, the Trust’s chair, congratulated both honourees, praising their dedication and leadership. “Asif and Shalni’s passion and commitment to charitable causes is truly inspiring. Their leadership has been pivotal in advancing our goals and making a tangible difference to the lives of those we serve. We are immensely proud of their achievements and this well-deserved recognition,” he said.
Rangoonwala, a notable business leader, has significantly influenced the philanthropic landscape for many years. Through the Rangoonwala Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals globally, with a strong focus on Karachi. The Foundation’s efforts include providing scholarships for underprivileged students, funding medical research and facilities, and supporting community development programs.
Operating several companies from his Central London headquarters, Rangoonwala continues to be a leading figure in both business and philanthropy, dedicated to creating positive change in communities across the world.
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