Shaukat Aftab walked away with Dh 15 million – about Rs 1.14 billion – after his ticket was drawn in the Big Ticket Series 290 live lottery in Abu Dhabi.
The 45‑year‑old Pakistani, who lives and works in the United Arab Emirates, saw his numbers (245 556) hit the screen during the televised draw on September 2. The Grand Prize, the highest payout of the series, was instantly converted to roughly Rs 1.14 billion, turning Aftab into an overnight billionaire.
Aftab, a construction supervisor originally from Multan, said the win will allow him to settle long‑standing debts, fund his children’s education and support aging parents back home. He also hinted at channeling a portion of the money into small‑scale enterprises in Punjab, a move that could generate jobs in his native region.
The win marks one of the largest lottery prizes ever claimed by a Pakistani citizen abroad. While gambling is prohibited in Pakistan, many expatriates participate in overseas draws that are legally permitted in their host countries. The growing enthusiasm for international lotteries among South Asian diaspora communities reflects both the allure of life‑changing sums and the limited legal gambling avenues within Pakistan.
Industry analysts note that such windfalls, though rare, can stimulate cross‑border economic activity when winners invest in local businesses or remit funds to families. Aftab’s intended investments could bolster micro‑enterprise growth, a sector the Pakistani government has been encouraging as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.