Waqar Zaka is a well-known Pakistani television host, reality show creator, and digital activist, known for his bold, unconventional style.
He rose to fame with Living on the Edge and later hosted the hit reality competition Champions on BOL TV.
Zaka is also known for his tech initiatives, cryptocurrency awareness campaigns, and humanitarian work in conflict zones.
Waqar Zaka – Bio, Career, Crypto, Activism, Controversies & Influence
Waqar Zaka is a well-known Pakistani television host, social media influencer, tech entrepreneur, cryptocurrency advocate, humanitarian activist, and digital innovator.
He has built a multifaceted career spanning reality TV, digital education, crypto entrepreneurship, politics, and social activism—making him one of Pakistan’s most talked-about figures across media and technology.
1. Waqar Zaka – Early Life and Background
Waqar Zaka was born on July 17, 1991 (some sources say 1993) in Tehran, Iran, where his father worked for the United Nations.
His family later moved to Karachi, Pakistan, where he grew up and completed his schooling.
He attended BVS Parsi High School and later earned a degree in civil engineering from NED University of Engineering & Technology in Karachi.
From a young age, Zaka showed an interest in media, technology, and adventure. His transition from engineering student to media personality was marked by bold, unconventional choices that would later define his public image.
2. Waqar Zaka – Television Career and Rise to Fame
Waqar Zaka began his media career in the early 2000s and became widely known through reality television, particularly for shows that pushed boundaries.
Living on the Edge
His breakthrough came as the host of Living on the Edge on ARY Digital, a daring, unconventional reality show in which participants (and often Zaka himself) performed extreme challenges and stunts on the streets.
The show became a significant hit for its bold format, making Zaka a household name in Pakistan.
Other Shows
Over time, Waqar hosted and produced several other reality and entertainment programs, including:
- Exposed
- Desi Kuriyan
- King of Street Magic
- The Cricket Challenge
- Main Banoonga Minister
- Champions with Waqar Zaka
- Headphone Show
His television presence made him one of the most recognisable and controversial hosts in the Pakistani entertainment industry.
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3. Waqar Zaka – Entrepreneur and Tech Visionary
Waqar Zaka used his fame and audience to pivot into the technology sector, especially digital innovation and blockchain.
Cryptocurrency Advocacy
Zaka became one of the earliest mainstream figures in Pakistan to promote cryptocurrency trading, blockchain technology, and digital finance education.
He launched an online crypto academy to help ordinary people understand and invest in digital assets.
His YouTube and social media channels feature educational content on Bitcoin, digital trading, and crypto strategies.
He also founded TenUp.io, a blockchain gaming and finance platform, and owns crypto-mining farms worldwide.
Zaka claims to have mentored thousands of students in crypto and blockchain through paid programs and live trading sessions.
TenUp Nation and Coins
Beyond education, he founded TenUp Nation, a blockchain project and platform with its own tokens (e.g., LUDO LOVE and TenUp Analyser).
This initiative reflects his intent to build real blockchain applications and gaming solutions, even as public opinion on crypto ventures varies widely online.
Tech Entrepreneurship
He also filed a constitutional petition in the Sindh High Court to legalise cryptocurrency trading in Pakistan, pushing the government and legal systems to accept digital financial innovation.
4. Waqar Zaka – Social Media Influencer and Digital Reach
Waqar Zaka has leveraged social media platforms to build a massive following:
- Instagram: @waqarzaka with nearly half a million followers
- YouTube: Millions of views from crypto education to entertainment content.
- Facebook & Twitter (X): Widespread engagement on blockchain and activism topics.
His presence extends beyond entertainment. He actively uses these channels to promote cryptocurrency, Web3, AI, and digital education for youth and professionals.
5. Waqar Zaka – Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Influence
Waqar Zaka’s shift into cryptocurrency has been one of the most defining aspects of his career in the 2010s and 2020s.
Crypto Mentorship
Since 2014, Zaka has been widely recognised as a crypto mentor, running large online groups and conducting training that mixes technical education with live market analysis.
He has participated in global blockchain conferences as a speaker and influencer.
Public Awareness and Legal Impact
His persistent advocacy helped raise public and regulatory awareness of digital assets in Pakistan, where crypto trading was often met with scepticism and legal barriers.
Through public campaigning and education, he helped push authorities to reconsider crypto policies. (Heepsy)
Predictions and Market Commentary
Zaka has made public predictions about Bitcoin trends and market movements, gaining both praise and criticism from crypto communities and financial analysts alike.
6. Waqar Zaka – Humanitarian and Social Activism
Beyond entertainment and tech, Waqar Zaka has engaged in humanitarian work:
- He has travelled to conflict zones such as Burma (Myanmar) and Syria to assist refugees and displaced communities.
- He has helped victims of acid attacks and harassment cases in Pakistan, using his platform for social campaigns.
- Zaka’s social media often highlights charitable efforts and fundraising for disadvantaged individuals.
His activism has earned him recognition from notable figures and contributed to his image as a socially responsible influencer.
7. Waqar Zaka – Political Involvement
Waqar Zaka has ventured into politics with his own movement. In 2013, he contested the Pakistani general elections from Karachi’s NA-253 constituency, though he did not win the seat.
Later, he launched Tehreek-e-Tech (Technology Movement Pakistan), a party focused on digital innovation, cryptolegalisation, and technological reform in Pakistan—a rare blend of celebrity and political activism.
His political agenda emphasises digital education and economic modernisation through technology.
8. Waqar Zaka – Film Production and Media Ventures
In recent years, Waqar also entered the film production arena. He produced the film Babylicious in 2023, expanding his entertainment footprint beyond television to cinema and digital content creation.
His media ventures often blend entertainment with social messaging and digital education themes, reflecting his broader vision of creative influence.
9. Waqar Zaka – Net Worth and Business Interests
Waqar Zaka’s financial profile reflects his diversified career:
- He owns real estate, including the Waqar Zaka Centre plaza in Saddar, Karachi.
- His net worth is estimated at $10 million–$15 million, primarily from media earnings, crypto trading, platform ownership, and investments.
- His crypto mining, digital platforms, and entrepreneurial activities contribute to his overall business portfolio.
Zaka’s decision to reinvest in tech ventures rather than a luxury lifestyle highlights his focus on innovation over personal indulgence.
10. Waqar Zaka – Controversies and Public Debate
Waqar Zaka’s career has not been without controversy. He attracts both support and criticism.
Reality Show Backlash
His early reality shows, especially Living on the Edge, faced backlash for being too extreme or insensitive to cultural norms.
Career Disputes
Veteran host Nida Yasir publicly accused Zaka of trying to sabotage her career during their time at ARY Digital. A clash that became widely discussed in the Pakistani media.
Crypto Scepticism and Scam Claims
In online communities (e.g., Reddit), some critics label his crypto groups and paid courses as scams or misleading, accusing him of prioritising profit over genuine education.
These views vary widely but contribute to the debate around crypto influencers and financial responsibility.
These controversies show that Zaka’s public image is complex—admired by followers and questioned by sceptics.
11. Waqar Zaka – Education and Personal Development
Waqar Zaka’s formal education includes:
- Civil Engineering Degree from NED University of Engineering & Technology.
- Advanced studies in political economics, the metaverse, and cryptocurrency at Stanford University reflect his commitment to technology and economic innovation.
His academic background helped shape his approach to digital finance and blockchain entrepreneurship.
12. Waqar Zaka – Social Media Presence
Waqar Zaka maintains a significant online presence across major platforms:
- Instagram: @waqarzaka with ~499K followers.
- YouTube: Over 1 million followers with crypto, tech, and entertainment content.
- Twitter (X) & Facebook: Active community engagement and live streams.
His influence spans entertainment, crypto education, and activism.
Waqar Zaka on BOL TV – ‘Champions with Waqar Zaka’
Waqar Zaka hosted a major reality television show on BOL TV called Champions with Waqar Zaka.
This youth-oriented reality program featured contestants living together in a controlled environment, taking on a variety of physical and mental challenges, and competing to be the last “champion” standing.
About the Show
Champions premiered on BOL Entertainment (the BOL TV network) on November 4, 2019, and became one of the most-watched Pakistani reality shows of its time.
It was inspired by formats like Big Brother, in which participants live together under strict conditions and complete daring tasks.
The format involved open auditions to select contestants, who were then confined to the BOL House for several weeks.
They faced weekly challenges, such as retrieving keys from insect containers or maintaining challenging physical postures, under Waqar Zaka’s direction and judgment.
Broadcast & Reception
The first season of Champions with Waqar Zaka became widely viewed across television and online platforms, with early episodes on YouTube receiving millions of views.
Its engaging, high-pressure challenge format attracted significant attention, especially among younger viewers.
Controversy & Suspension
In April 2020, Champions with Waqar Zaka faced regulatory action from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), which suspended the show and fined the channel for airing content deemed indecent and against social, cultural, and religious norms.
This included complaints about on-screen behaviour and language.
BOL TV and Zaka challenged the PEMRA decision in the Islamabad High Court, but the court upheld the suspension while allowing the host to appear in other programs.
Waqar Zaka’s Role
As host and presenter, Waqar Zaka was the face of Champions, guiding the format, introducing challenges, and interacting with contestants.
His role was central to the show’s identity and appeal, blending his daring persona with reality-TV entertainment.
Zaka’s Legacy
Even though Champions was halted due to regulatory issues, the show remains one of the most high-profile television projects associated with Waqar Zaka’s career, reflecting both his influence in Pakistani entertainment and the controversies that often accompany his bold media projects.
Summary – Waqar Zaka on BOL TV
- Show Title: Champions with Waqar Zaka
- Network: BOL Entertainment / BOL TV
- Premiere: November 4, 2019
- Format: Reality competition with contestants living together and completing physical and mental challenges.
- Regulatory Action: PEMRA suspended the show for violating media standards; the Islamabad High Court upheld the suspension.
- Role: Host/Presenter – Waqar Zaka was central to the show’s format and public identity.
Conclusion
Waqar Zaka remains one of Pakistan’s most prominent and polarising public figures—bridging entertainment, technology, finance, and social change.
From daring reality TV shows to advancing cryptocurrency adoption, his career reflects a blend of creativity, innovation, controversy, and entrepreneurship.
Whether celebrated as a visionary or challenged by sceptics, Waqar Zaka’s impact on digital media, tech advocacy, and social activism in Pakistan is undeniable.