The historic building once housing the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, D.C. has been sold mammoths after it was put in market. The iconic property, which has served as a symbol of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States for several decades, has been purchased by Abdul Hafeez Khan, a Dallas-based Pakistani American businessman for 7.1 million dollars.
The building was constructed in 1976, and has been vacant since the Pakistani government moved its embassy to a new location in 2012. Having remained unoccupied for over a decade, the building lost its diplomatic status in 2018, making it subject to local government taxes. The building, located on R-street in Washington’s upscale neighborhood, was put up for auction late last year. In the first bidding attempt, the highest offer the building received was 6.8 million dollars, but the authorities cancelled the bid that was almost finalized.
In the second bidding round, the property was sold to Hafeez Khan who offered 7.1 million dollars. The handing-over of the property took place at an event that was attended by Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan. In his remarks, Ambassador Khan said any speculations about selling off other Pakistani assets in the US should end.
Hafeez Khan’s acquisition of the building opens new possibilities for its future. With his entrepreneurial background, Khan envisions transforming the property into a vibrant center that will serve as a hub for cultural exchange, business activities, and community gatherings.
The news of Khan’s acquisition of the embassy property reverberated in the US Congress as well, where Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett praised the Pakistani American’s initiative. “When Mr. Kahn heard that part of the beautiful Pakistani Embassy here in Washington was set to be sold, he stepped up to purchase the property and preserve its historical and cultural significance. For the Pakistani-American community, the Embassy building here in our Nation’s Capital is more than just a piece of property. It has served as a place of welcome, community, and support for this vibrant, thriving immigrant community,” added Congresswoman Crockett, who represents Texas’s 30th congressional district.
How Much We Know About Abdul Hafeez Khan
Hafeez Khan may not be a household name in the Pakistani American community but he is well-known and respected in the business community in Dallas and beyond. According to his available public record, Khan runs or is associated with several companies that are doing soft drinks manufacturing, retail, real estate, packaging and other businesses. One of his companies – Haider Corporation – is involved in soft drink manufacturing. He has over 25 years of experience in the industry, and has worked on a variety of projects. High Five Drinks Inc, which Khan acquired a decade ago, also manufactures soft drinks is another company in his name.
According to Buzzfile.com, Haider Corporation, which also operates under the name Tweaker Energy Drink, is located in Dallas, Texas. “This organization primarily operates in the Soft Drinks business / industry within the Wholesale Trade – Nondurable Goods sector. This organization has been operating for approximately 27 years. Haider Corporation is estimated to generate $7.8 million in annual revenues, and employs approximately 10 people at this single location. This organization is engaged in importing activities at this facility.”
Haider Corporation was initially established as in 1996, manufacturing High Energy Drink (HED) and High Five in Dallas, TX. In 2008, the company began manufacturing Tweaker Energy Shot.
“After its introduction, Tweaker has become one of the fastest growing energy shot in the United States,” the company says on its LinkedIn page. It says Tweaker Energy Shot has built a strong distribution network with thousands of distributors, including major wholesalers such as McLane, Core-Mark, H.T. Hackney, Grocery Supply Company, CD Harnett and Imperial Trading, etc.
Tweaker Energy Shot is currently available across the US in a variety of retailers and also chains including RaceTrac, Circle K, 7-Eleven OKC, Casey General Store, Jewel-Osco, Super Value, Hy-Vee, among many others. “Tweaker Energy Shot contains our health club quality ingredients combined with caffeine, creating a synergistic effect that is significantly more active than the old school brand of energy drinks on the market today,” it adds.
Little is known about Khan’s social and philanthropic work, something that Congresswoman Crockett also recognized on the floor of the House.