Biography of Sultan Ali Lakhani: Businessman, Politician, Entrepreneur
(Founder of the Lakson Group & Owner of McDonald's Pakistan)
Biography of Sultan Ali Lakhani:
Early Life & Education
Sultan Ali Lakhani was born on 24 July 1948 in Gondia (then
in British India). He later moved to Pakistan, where he studied economics at
the University of Karachi. His formative years, shaped by family business
exposure and education, laid the basis for his roles in media, commerce, and
public service.
Foundations of Lakson Group & Leadership Role
Lakson Group was founded in 1954 by Hassanali Karabhai
(Sultan’s father). Over time, Sultan Ali Lakhani has been a major figure in its
evolution. He now serves as an Advisor to the Lakson Group. The group
holds a diversified portfolio spanning media, consumer goods, insurance,
packaging & printing, technology (ISP, telecom), and more.
Media & Business Interests
Sultan Ali Lakhani is closely associated with Express Media
Group. He is Chief Executive of Century Publications (publishes Daily Express,
Express Tribune etc.) and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Express News Channel.
Under his oversight, the media companies maintain a strong presence nationally.
He also has association with McDonald’s Pakistan through the Lakson family’s
franchise business.
Biography of Sultan Ali Lakhani: Businessman, Politician, Entrepreneur /founder of the Lakson Group and owner of McDonald's Pakistan / age#net worth
Family & Key Management Figures
Within Lakson Group, other family members play central
roles:
- Iqbal
Ali Lakhani is Chairman of Lakson Group.
- Amin
Mohammed Lakhani leads SIZA Foods (the franchise holder for McDonald’s
in Pakistan) and is part of the executive leadership.
- Zulfiqar
Ali Lakhani is CEO & Executive Director of Colgate Palmolive
(Pakistan) and serves on multiple boards connected to Lakson Group.
Public Service & Recognition
Sultan Ali Lakhani was elected to Pakistan’s Senate in 1988
and served until 1994. During his public service, he took part in legislative
discussions and policy development, particularly in media and economic matters.
In 2012, he received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s high civilian
awards, for his contributions to public and business arenas.
Accountability Issues & Legal Engagements
In 2000, he was arrested by the National Accountability
Bureau (NAB) over allegations of loan defaults tied to his businessties
(including his partnership in McDonald’s Pakistan). He and his associates were
accused of not paying back bank loans. In subsequent years, the Lakhani family
agreed on payment plans with NAB to settle outstanding debts.
Some years later, disputes arose regarding the fulfillment
of these repayment plans. Media and NAB sources report that after initial
payments, further instalments were delayed or withheld. Sultan Ali Lakhani and
his brothers have also reportedly left Pakistan for periods.
Current Role, Structure & Recent Developments
- As
of 2025, Sultan Ali Lakhani remains Advisor to Lakson Group.
- Iqbal
Ali Lakhani continues as Chairman, overseeing a wide range of Lakson’s
businesses including public-listed companies in paper & board,
packaging, personal care, insurance, media, etc.
- One
of Lakson’s business units, Merit Packaging Ltd., has seen
financial ups & downs: losses in multiple years even while revenue
grew, and in 2021 a change in leadership at Merit Packaging was made in
response to minority shareholder concerns.
Philanthropy & Social Initiatives
Lakson Group maintains strong philanthropic and social
impact presence through trusts and foundations. Key areas include education,
healthcare, and welfare. The Hasanali & Gulbanoo Lakhani Foundation, Lakson
Medical Trust, and others provide medical and educational help to
underprivileged communities.
Timeline & Current Standing (2025)
|
Year |
Key Event |
|
1948 |
Sultan Ali Lakhani is born in Gondia, India (24 July). |
|
1954 |
Lakson Group founded by his father. |
|
1988-1994 |
Serves as Member of Senate of Pakistan. |
|
2000 |
Arrested by NAB in loan default case; legal negotiations
follow. |
|
2011-2012 |
Acknowledged for business contributions; receives
Hilal-i-Imtiaz. |
|
2021 |
Leadership change at Merit Packaging, prompted by
shareholders. |
|
2024-2025 |
Sultan remains Advisor; the group continues core
operations across media, consumer goods, tech, packaging, etc. Some
legal/financial issues related to past dues still unresolved. |
