Waqar Zaka
NationalityPakistani
OccupationTelevision host
Years active2005–present
Known forLiving on the Edge
Champions
Websitewaqarzaka.net

Waqar Zaka (Urdu: وقار ذکا) is a Pakistani cryptocurrency expert/entrepreneur, [1] winner of the solo trader round of the Bitcoin World Cup organised by Bitget, one of the world's largest crypto exchanges.[2][3] He is also a television host and activist.

Early life

According to Zaka, he is a 2008-09 batch Civil Engineer of NED University of Engineering & Technology.[4]

Zaka started his career with ARY Digital with a TV reality show Living on the Edge.[5][6][1] Waqar then created and hosted reality shows XPOSED,[6] King of Street Magic,[6] Desi Kudiyan and The Cricket Challenge aired on ARY Musik.[7]

During the 2013 Pakistani general election, Zaka ran for the seat of the National Assembly of Pakistan from Karachi NA-253 constituency,[8] but was unsuccessful[5] and secured only 31 votes out of the 211,768 total votes cast.[9] Zaka claims he ran to demonstrate how to run for election for his show Main Banoonga Minister; he stated that this was "the only entertaining way of telling our youth how to be a part of the system".[10] He ran on a platform of prioritising and improving access to entertainment and the internet.[11][12]

In April 2019, Zaka announced a political movement in Pakistan called Tehreek-e-Tech.[13][4] In May 2019, he apologised to the people for destroying the young minds via his TV reality show Living on the Edge.[5][14]

Champions with Waqar Zaka

In November 2019, Zaka began hosting a TV reality show, Champions with Waqar Zaka, on BOL Network.[15] In January 2020, the show was banned by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)[15] for being "offensive towards social, religious and cultural values of this country".[16] In April 2020, the Islamabad High Court upheld the decision of PEMRA to ban the show.[17]

Following the suspension of Champions, Zaka began hosting a late-night show on YouTube called Headphone Show.[18]

Awards and nominations

In 2017, Zaka received an award from Abdul Qadeer Khan for his social and humanitarian work in the war-torn areas of Syria and Myanmar.[19] Waqar Zaka has been nominated by Binance for the Bananas Influencer Awards 2021 on 25 June.[20] A total of five influencers from around the world were nominated for the award by Binance. He also received the Social Media Icon of the Year 2021 Award in the UAE.[21][22]

Crypto Mining

Waqar Zaka has started an online academy for cryptocurrency that focuses on simplifying the concepts for the average person.[23] He is also starting Pakistan's first crypto mining farm[24] using hydropower in an attempt to bring Pakistan to the list of most developed countries.[25] Earlier, he had vouched to legalise cryptocurrencies in Pakistan[26] through his political party Tehreek-e-Technology Pakistan.[25]

Achievements

Waqar Zaka formed Pakistan's first blockchain-based microfinance platform named TenUp. He filed the case in the Sindh High Court as a petitioner, without any lawyer, about legalising cryptocurrency in Pakistan and achieved success.[27][28] Through TenUp, Waqar Zaka has also developed a currency for the use of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). He also claimed that this currency would eradicate the need for PayPal in Pakistan and allow for the fastest transactions.[29] He has been raising awareness about legalising digital currency in Pakistan which can help in paying off the debt of the country and bring it among the wealthiest countries in the world. He also offered free services to entrepreneurs and professionals to develop a blockchain system using cryptocurrency.[30] Due to his efforts, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched Pakistan's first advisory committee[31][32] for cryptocurrency and crypto mining.[33] Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Science and Technology & Information Technology, Zia Ullah Bangash has also thanked Waqar Zaka for offering cooperation and support to the KP government.[34]

Zaka has several times moved the court against internet censorship. He moved the Islamabad High Court against the ban on a popular multiplayer game,[35] PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), which was ruled in his favour.[36] He also filed a case to upgrade the Computer's course in Sindh Board,[37] which was not upgraded since 1997. He filed the case without a lawyer and won it, with the court ordering the Sindh Board to upgrade the syllabus.[35] It was termed a massive achievement[38] for Waqar Zaka by the youth and the media.[38] He also helped save three men accused of blasphemy in Dunga Bunga. He went to the town by taking a flight from Nepal, got the fake FIR removed against them and convinced the mop of fake accusations against the three men.[39] He also streamed[40] the evidence on his Facebook page to highlight the cause of saving minorities in Pakistan.

Waqar Zaka has been appointed as a Crypto Expert by the Government of Pakistan in the advisory committee. The move came in pursuance of the resolution and recommendation of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding Digital Assets. Zaka has vowed to work for free for the country, he announced it on his official Twitter Account.[41]

Waqar Zaka also met the Olympian Arshad Nadeem and presented PKR 1 million for his outstanding performance in Tokyo Olympics 2020 in Javelin Throw.[42]

Waqar Zaka's TenUp Smart, which is Pakistan's first cryptocurrency token, is now listed on an international exchange OKX.[43][44] Zaka is also partnering with NED University to introduce the first metaverse project of Pakistan.[45]

Zaka received the Social Media Icon of the Year Award 2020 from PISA UAE awards. He was also included in the jury for the PISA Awards 2021.

Zaka is also known for his predictions related to the crypto market. During a live session on his Facebook page, he made $7800 from Bitcoin predictions.[46]

Jury Member of PISA 2021

Zaka was appointed as the expert content maker to become judge of social media awards 2021 and 2022, PISA, Pakistan International Screen Awards UAE & jury member for the entire awards along with the top names from Media industry.[47][48]

Film Production

Waqar Zaka stepped into film production with his first venture being the upcoming Pakistani film, Babylicious. He is the executive producer of this movie that features Shehroz Sabzwari and Syra Yousuf in lead roles.[49]

Winner of Inaugural Bitcoin World Cup

Waqar Zaka became triumphant in the solo trader round of the KCGI 2023 Bitcoin Leverage Trading World Cup, organised by crypto exchange Bitget in September 2023.[3] A total of 3600 traders from all parts of the world took part in the competition.

References

  1. 1 2 "I am giving Pakistanis a platform to vent their frustrations: Waqar Zaka - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 14 February 2013. Archived from the original on 12 November 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
  2. ↑ Wajid, Ali (15 September 2023). "Solo champion: Waqar Zaka wins solo trader round of Bitcoin World Cup". Samaa News. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Bitcoin World Cup: Waqar Zaka eyes victory, ranks 3 among 2,500 traders". Samaa News. 13 September 2023.
  4. 1 2 "Attention seeking Waqar Zaka claims he wants to launch cyrptocurrency to help Pakistan pay off its debts". 11 April 2019. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 ڈیسک, انٹرٹینمنٹ (28 May 2019). "وقار ذکا نوجوانوں کو بھٹکانے والا مواد تیار کرنے پر شرمندہ". Dawn News Television. Archived from the original on 11 June 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 "Chit chat Meet Waqar Zaka". DAWN.COM. 7 March 2009. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
  7. ↑ Hassan, Sameen (4 May 2015). "I am the reason why some people now rule the entertainment industry: Waqar Zaka". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  8. ↑ "Waqar Zaka says 'Line Pe Ajao' - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 12 February 2015. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
  9. ↑ "Election Commission of Pakistan Notification" (PDF). Election Commission of Pakistan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  10. ↑ Mahmood, Rafay (14 February 2013). "I am giving Pakistanis a platform to vent their frustrations: Waqar Zaka". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 22 August 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  11. ↑ "Waqar Zaka hopes to go from cobra to constituency - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 1 April 2013. Archived from the original on 21 October 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
  12. ↑ Ishtiaque, Aqsa. "Main Banoonga Minister: Waqar Zaka strives to contest elections". Aaj News. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  13. ↑ "We may never see Waqar Zaka on TV again". 11 April 2019. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  14. ↑ "Waqar Zaka seeks apology from nation for destroying young minds". Dunya News. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  15. 1 2 "Waqar Zaka's show 'Champions' to remain suspended, IHC rules - Pakistan Today". www.pakistantoday.com.pk. 10 April 2020. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  16. ↑ "Waqar Zaka's Show Champions Gets Banned By PEMRA". Lens. 10 April 2020. Archived from the original on 12 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  17. ↑ ڈیسک, ویب (9 April 2020). "قابل اعتراض مواد نشر کرنے پر بول ٹی وی کے پروگرام چیمپیئنز پر پابندی برقرار". Dawn News Television. Archived from the original on 15 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  18. ↑ "Lewd headphone show designed to help audience, insists Waqar Zaka | SAMAA". Samaa TV. Archived from the original on 13 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  19. ↑ "Waqar Zaka receives award from Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan". The Nation. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  20. ↑ Khan, Aizbah (25 June 2021). "Cryptocurrency Platform Nominates Waqar Zaka For Best Influencer Awards". BOL News. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  21. ↑ "Waqar Zaka backed out from all the nominations to promote new talent?". Fashion Times. 12 November 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  22. ↑ "Pakistan Achievement Award UK 2017". YouTube. Waqar Zaka. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  23. ↑ "Easy beginners guide to getting started". The Express Tribune. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  24. ↑ "Govt plans to build pilot cryptocurrency mining farms in KP". DAWN.COM. Reuters. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  25. 1 2 "Waqar Zaka To Establish First Crypto Mining Farm Using Hydropower". BOL News. 20 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  26. ↑ "Waqar Zaka New Ideas: Twitteraties Demand PM To Take Notes From Him". BOL News. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  27. ↑ "Cryptocurrency Ban: Waqar Zaka thanks Court as he achieves success". BOL News. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  28. ↑ "KP's Draft Crypto Bill Passes, Waqar Zaka Achieves Another Mile Stone". BOL News. 2 December 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  29. ↑ "Digital currency will support government without any obstacle, Waqar Zaka". BOL News. 25 December 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  30. ↑ "Waqar Zaka struggles to promote Cryptocurrency for a reason". BOL News. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  31. ↑ "Waqar Zaka Convinced Govt To Launch Crypto Advisory Committee". BOL News. 15 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  32. ↑ "Pakistan to build two pilot crypto mining companies". Gizchina.com. 20 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  33. ↑ "KPK launches Pakistan's first ever crypto advisory committee, Waqar Zaka claims credit". TechJuice. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  34. ↑ Ahmed, Ali (17 March 2021). "KP launches Pakistan's first Advisory Committee for cryptocurrency & cryptomining". Brecorder. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  35. 1 2 "Waqar Zaka to go to court over PUBG ban". The Express Tribune. 3 July 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  36. ↑ "#Thankyouwqarzaka: PUBG lovers thank Waqar Zaka as IHC lifts ban". BOL News. 24 July 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  37. ↑ "'Sindh will have to pay $20b for ignoring my advice' | SAMAA". Samaa TV. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  38. 1 2 "Massive Achievement For Waqar Zaka as Sindh Board Announced to Update the Curriculum". BOL News. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  39. ↑ Yasmeen, Sana (29 October 2019). "Waqar Zaka Said He Helped Save Three Men Accused Of Blasphemy, But People Have Questions". MangoBaaz. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  40. ↑ Waqar, retrieved 6 April 2021
  41. ↑ @ZakaWaqar (16 May 2021). "I'm hired as a crypto expert by Government of Pakistan and I have decided not to charge a single penny and I will provide all my services for free -" (Tweet). Retrieved 16 May 2021 – via Twitter.
  42. ↑ "Waqar Zaka gives Olympian Arshad Nadeem gift of Rs1 million". geo.tv. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  43. ↑ Gardezi, Ahsan (30 September 2021). "OKEx Officially Lists Pakistan's First Cryptocurrency Token on its Exchange". ProPakistani. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  44. ↑ "OKX will list Tenup's native asset, TUP, for spot trading". okx.com. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  45. ↑ Ahad, Syed (21 September 2021). "Waqar Zaka is partnering and investing at NED University". BOL News. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  46. ↑ "Waqar Zaka Makes Over $7,800 With BitCoin in Just 2 Minutes on Live Video". propakistani.pk. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  47. ↑ "The 7-member PISA'21 jury reveal". Something Haute. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  48. ↑ "PISA '21 Jury Members Revealed". Fashion Times. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  49. ↑ Baig, Amina (15 January 2023). "Here's what we've gathered from the four corners of the world". The News International. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
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