ISLAMABAD: The family of the British-Pakistani father and son who were among the five people who died on the Titanic tourist submersible expressed “profound grief” at their loss on Friday.

Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman, 19, are members of the Dawood family, one of the wealthiest in Pakistan.

Educated in the UK and the US, Shah­zada lived in Britain with his wife Christine, Suleman, and his daughter Alina. “It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood,” said a statement from the Dawood Foun­dation, a family-run education charity.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers on the Titan submersible,” it read, signed by Hussain and Kulsum Dawood, Shah­zada’s parents.

A statement attributed to the Dawood family, posted by BBC News, read: “Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragedy, one which has been followed around the world. As with any tragedy of this magnitude, it brings out the best and worst in people. Some go out of their way to contribute and support, others use these moments for personal gains. How one behaves in such circumstances reveals more about their own character than anything else. The family remains overwhelmed with the love and support that it has received and is grateful to the those who showcased the best in humanity.”

In a statement, Engro said it was mourning Sha­hzada — who served as vice-chairman — and “his beloved son” Suleman “with heavy hearts and great sadness”.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, friends, and all those around the world who grieve this unthinkable loss.” Shahzada also served as a trustee of the California-based Search for Extr­aterrestrial Inte­lligence Institute, which looks for evidence of alien life. “It is with great sadness that we learned of the loss of our dear friend,” said CEO Bill Diamond in a statement.

“Shahzada was passionately curious and an enthusiastic supporter of the SETI Institute and our mission, being directly involved in philanthropic programs in education, research and public outreach. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the statement added.

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow also paid tribute to Suleman, who was a student there. BBC News quoted the varsity as saying in a statement that staff and students are “shocked and profoundly saddened by the death of Suleman Dawood and his father in this tragic incident”.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2023