Waqar Zaka, a name synonymous with diverse ventures and vibrant personality, has carved a unique path in the Pakistani entertainment and business landscape. His journey, spanning music, television, activism, and most recently, cryptocurrency, paints a vivid picture of a man driven by innovation and a desire to disrupt the status quo. Let’s take a deep dive into Waqar Zaka’s life, exploring the highs, lows, and defining moments that shaped his persona.
Waqar Zaka Biography
| Date of Birth | Jul 17, 1991 |
| Waqar Zaka Age | 33 Years |
| Birth Place | Tehran, Iran |
| Hometown | Sargodha, Pakistan |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Profession | TV Host, Social Media Influencer, Tech Entrepreneur, Cryptocurrency Trader |
| School | Bai Virbaiji Sopariwala (B.V.S) Parsi High School, Karachi |
| College / University |
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| Education |
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| Father | Zaka-Ud-Din |
| Mother | Samia Yaseen |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Siblings | Three Sisters |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Political Party | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Tech |
| Website | http://waqarzaka.net/ |
Waqar Zaka Early Life, Musical Spark, and Education
Waqar Zaka was born on July 17, 1991, in Tehran, Iran. Raised in a middle-class family, Zaka’s interest in entertainment manifested early. At just 16, he released his first song, “Nahi Pada Maine Poora Saal,” a student anthem that resonated with young audiences. This foray into music marked the beginning of a multifaceted career.
He exhibited an early flair for technology and media. After completing his schooling, Waqar pursued a degree in Computer Science from NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi. It was during his university years that he began to explore his passion for media and entertainment.
Waqar Zaka is hailed as a trailblazer in the realm of selfie-travel videos, revolutionizing the way people perceive and experience travel. With an insatiable wanderlust, he embarked on an extraordinary journey that spanned across more than 140 countries, meticulously documenting his adventures through over 3000 captivating travel vlogs.
In addition to his prolific travel vlogging, Waqar Zaka carved a niche for himself as the first Pakistani to delve into “Aviation Video Blogs,” providing aviation enthusiasts with unique insights into the world of air travel.
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Waqar Zaka Family
Waqar Zaka entered the world in Tehran, Iran, into a family where his father, Zaka-Ud-Din, worked for the United Nations, while his mother, Samia Yaseen, dedicated herself to homemaking. With three sisters whose names remain undisclosed to the public, Zaka’s upbringing was marked by a nomadic lifestyle as his family traversed various locales due to his father’s UN assignments.
However, to circumvent potential religious tensions, Zaka’s birth certificate listed Sargodha, Pakistan, as his birthplace, veering away from the presumed Shia identity associated with being born in Tehran. Waqar Zaka, a Sunni Muslim, vehemently emphasizes his religious identity by identifying solely as Muslim, eschewing sectarian labels.
In 1985, Zaka’s father, Zaka-Ud-Din, made the pivotal decision to relocate to Pakistan, leaving behind his UN tenure to establish “National Intercom Industries.” This venture marked the inception of a telecom manufacturing enterprise headquartered in Karachi, boasting a workforce of 93 employees and exporting telecommunications products worldwide. As an Arain Punjabi, Zaka-Ud-Din’s entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for a successful business venture that continues to thrive under his stewardship.
Waqar Zaka Rise to Fame
Waqar Zaka’s ascent to fame can be attributed to his groundbreaking show “Living on the Edge,” which first aired in 2002. The show, known for its audacious stunts and daring challenges, captured the attention of audiences across Pakistan. With his unconventional hosting style and fearlessness, Waqar quickly became a household name, earning both praise and criticism for pushing the boundaries of reality television.
VJ & Reality TV Pioneer
In 2005, Zaka transitioned to television, becoming a VJ on ARY Digital. Recognizing the growing demand for reality shows, he created and hosted several groundbreaking programs, including “Living on the Edge,” “XPOSED,” “King of Street Magic,” “Desi Kudiyan,” “Main Banoonga Minister,” “Champions with Waqar Zaka,” and “The Cricket Challenge.” These shows pushed boundaries, tackled social issues, and established Waqar Zaka as a pioneer in Pakistan’s reality TV scene.
In November 2019, Waqar Zaka embarked on a new venture as the host of the TV reality show “Champions with Waqar Zaka,” airing on BOL Network. However, the show’s run was abruptly halted in January 2020 when the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed a ban, citing concerns over its alleged offense against the social, religious, and cultural norms of the country. Despite efforts to appeal the decision, the ban was upheld by the Islamabad High Court in April 2020.
Following the suspension of “Champions,” he ventured into the digital realm, launching a late-night show on YouTube titled “Headphone Show.” This strategic move underscored Zaka’s resilience and determination to continue engaging with his audience, despite the challenges posed by regulatory constraints.
However, his journey wasn’t confined to traditional media alone. Recognizing the power of social media, Waqar embraced platforms like YouTube and Facebook, where he continued to engage with his audience through vlogs, live streams, and thought-provoking content.
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Film Production
Venturing into the realm of film production, Waqar Zaka made his debut with the eagerly anticipated Pakistani film, “Babylicious.” Serving as the executive producer of this cinematic endeavor, Zaka brings his creative vision to life, spearheading a project that showcases the talents of actors Shehroz Sabzwari and Syra Yousuf in pivotal roles.
Waqar Zaka a Cryptocurrency Guru
Waqar Zaka is deeply entrenched in the world of cryptocurrency, serving as an avid educator since 2014 and earning recognition as a prominent Crypto Influencer in South Asia. With a wealth of experience, he has undertaken the role of guiding individuals on the intricacies of cryptocurrency through various platforms.
Beyond education, Zaka’s involvement extends to practical endeavors, including the ownership of multiple crypto-mining farms scattered across the globe. Leveraging his expertise, he spearheaded the launch of the cryptocurrency platform www.tenup.io, providing enthusiasts with a robust platform for trading and engagement.
Zaka’s commitment to cryptocurrency advocacy is further evidenced by his establishment of Pakistan’s largest online Crypto Training Group on Facebook. Moreover, he has taken tangible steps towards legitimizing cryptocurrency in Pakistan by initiating legal proceedings, notably filing a case in the Sindh High Court to advocate for its legalization. Through his multifaceted efforts, Zaka continues to champion the cause of cryptocurrency adoption and awareness in Pakistan and beyond.
Waqar Zaka Political Career
In the backdrop of the 2013 Pakistani general election, Waqar Zaka embarked on a political journey by contesting for the seat of the National Assembly of Pakistan from Karachi NA-253 constituency. Despite his earnest efforts, success eluded him, garnering a mere 31 votes amidst the staggering total of 211,768 cast ballots.
Fast forward to April 2019, Waqar Zaka made waves yet again, this time with a different agenda. He announced the inception of a political movement in Pakistan, christened Tehreek-e-Tech, aimed at advocating for technological advancements and digital literacy in the country.
Waqar Zaka took a moment of introspection in May 2019, he publicly apologized to the populace for what he perceived as inadvertently negatively influencing young minds through his TV reality show, “Living on the Edge.” This gesture marked a significant pivot in Zaka’s public persona, showcasing his willingness to acknowledge past missteps and evolve as a conscientious figure within Pakistani society.
Waqar Zaka Assets and Properties
Waqar Zaka navigates the streets in a Toyota Surf SUV, a vehicle that holds sentimental value as it was a cherished gift from his mother.
In addition to his automotive indulgence, Zaka boasts a diverse portfolio of residential properties. From the upscale Damac Hills in Dubai to the bustling cityscape of Los Angeles and the vibrant capital of Islamabad, he has strategically invested in real estate across different continents.
Among his notable property holdings is the Waqar Zaka Center, a sprawling plaza spanning 4800 square yards in Saddar Karachi.
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Awards and Achievements Received by Waqar Zaka
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Year |
From |
Award Title |
| 1997 | BBC Asia | Youngest Pop Duet Band of Pakistan |
| 2015 | Pakistan Achievement Awards UK & Europe | Pakistan Achievement Award |
| 2017 | Nazriya Pakistan Council | Shaheen Gold Medal Award |
| 2021 | Binance | Bananas Influencer Awards |
Waqar Zaka Social Accounts
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| YouTube | Click Here |
Looking Ahead: A Life in Progress
Waqar Zaka’s story is one of constant evolution. From music videos to political campaigns, and now navigating the crypto world, he continues to explore new avenues. Whether embraced or challenged, his impact on Pakistani media, activism, and business is undeniable. Zaka’s journey, still unfolding, promises to be an exciting one, filled with innovation, disruption, and perhaps, a few more controversies along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Waqar Zaka From?
Waqar Zaka is from Pakistan.
2. Who is the Father of Cryptocurrency in Pakistan?
The title of “Father of Cryptocurrency in Pakistan” is not officially bestowed upon any individual. However, Waqar Zaka is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community in Pakistan and has played a significant role in advocating for cryptocurrency adoption and education in the country.
3. Who is the Host of “Living on the Edge”?
The host of “Living on the Edge” is Waqar Zaka.