ABOUT US
INTRODUCTION ABOUT KASHMIRWALAGROUP
The Kashmirwala group was founded by Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala in 1947. Today it is run by the second and third generation, maintaining its coveted position as one of the leaders in the field of travel trade. The group is now owned and managed by Aftab A Kashmirwala (Chairman) and Shakil A Kashmirwala (Chief Executive) grandson of the great man, and it exclusively deals with the GSA business for various airlines in Pakistan.
To achieve the Group's objectives successfully, two organizations were set up for the exclusive handling and marketing of its principal airlines; Kashmir Corporation (Pvt.) Limited and PakTurk Enterprises (Pvt.) Limited. Though affiliated to the Kashmirwala Group, these organizations are entirely independent in terms of the planning marketing and selling of their products. They are also directly answerable to their principal airlines for all policy matters, promotional inputs and revenue outputs.
To achieve the Group's objectives successfully, two organizations were set up for the exclusive handling and marketing of its principal airlines; Kashmir Corporation (Pvt.) Limited and PakTurk Enterprises (Pvt.) Limited. Though affiliated to the Kashmirwala Group, these organizations are entirely independent in terms of the planning marketing and selling of their products. They are also directly answerable to their principal airlines for all policy matters, promotional inputs and revenue outputs.
History
HISTORY OF KASHMIRWALAGROUP
Since Pakistan became an independent state in 1947, its commercial aviation sector has progressed particularly rapidly compared to certain other areas of economic development in the country. The main reason for this tremendous growth is the availability of local expertise not only to tackle the gigantic task of providing sage and efficient airline network to the nation but to organize an outstanding service sector of the travel trade.
Soon after gaining independence, Pakistan required entrepreneurs who could establish new industries and initiate new commercial ventures. It was at this point in the history that a highly respected travel agent, Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala, stepped to the fore and grasped the opportunity to establish Kashmirwala Group in 1947. The objective leadership to the travel trade and an excellent service to its customers through its various travel agency offices in the country. Many travel agents were to follow in his footsteps, but thanks to his diligence, honesty and vision, Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala maintained his privileged position as a lead4erof the travel trade.
In the fifties and early sixties the passenger service sector in Pakistan was dominated by airlines' own facilities. However, as expansion both in terms of airlines' network and number of passengers took only more pronounced but imperative. The number of travel agencies increased steadily and professional travel agents cam e to the fore to represent and lead in this particular area of the service sector, At this stage of the expansion of passenger services of General Sales Agencies was realized by both national and foreign airlines operating in Pakistan. Therefore, in 1960 when IATA decided that there should be no financial links between General Sales Agents and IATA agents, the Kashmirwala Group decided to devote itself exclusively to the GSA business. The objective was to provide the best possible professional service to foreign airlines.
Soon after gaining independence, Pakistan required entrepreneurs who could establish new industries and initiate new commercial ventures. It was at this point in the history that a highly respected travel agent, Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala, stepped to the fore and grasped the opportunity to establish Kashmirwala Group in 1947. The objective leadership to the travel trade and an excellent service to its customers through its various travel agency offices in the country. Many travel agents were to follow in his footsteps, but thanks to his diligence, honesty and vision, Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala maintained his privileged position as a lead4erof the travel trade.
In the fifties and early sixties the passenger service sector in Pakistan was dominated by airlines' own facilities. However, as expansion both in terms of airlines' network and number of passengers took only more pronounced but imperative. The number of travel agencies increased steadily and professional travel agents cam e to the fore to represent and lead in this particular area of the service sector, At this stage of the expansion of passenger services of General Sales Agencies was realized by both national and foreign airlines operating in Pakistan. Therefore, in 1960 when IATA decided that there should be no financial links between General Sales Agents and IATA agents, the Kashmirwala Group decided to devote itself exclusively to the GSA business. The objective was to provide the best possible professional service to foreign airlines.
Founder
FOUNDER OF KASHMIRWALAGROUP
In the early years following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the country forged ahead to meet the challenges of economic development against seemingly insurmountable odds. It was at this time that a very determined young man in his early forties appeared on the business scene. As he had been deeply involved in the promotion of the travel trade from its grassroots days, he often frequented the aviation sector. This gentleman, who could be singled out in any crowd, was none other than the late Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala – the pioneer of tourism in Pakistan. He has left behind a legacy of entrepreneurial excellence – enabling his descendants not only to carry on, but to continue to hold prominent positions in the tourism and travel industry in the country.
The late Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala belonged to a respectable saudagar family whose forefathers once lived in Srinagar, tending to their large land holdings and industries. Later he moved to Delhi where he became the owner, printer, publisher and editor of the prestigious "Pakistan", which was published from 1941 to 1947. He also owned and managed a transport company, a tramway company, hotels and an enamel industry. But the travel trade always remained his first love. And this is where he proceeded to put down his roots. In 1947 he laid the foundation of the Kashmirwala Group's travel agency offices which were already established throughout the country.
He wasd eeply committed to the promotion of domestic and international tourism in Pakistan. In those difficult early years he organized exclusive "Eid-Milan Excursion Trains" with the help of railway authorities. Operated from Karachi these trains enabled the common people to visit nearby cities, and were later expanded to cover areas as far afield as Swat, Quetta and Ziarat.
He also played a significant role in the formation of the All Pakistan Travel Agents Association in1959. After the secession of East Pakistan in 1947, he remained the spirit of inspiration behind the formation and growth of a new body known as the Travel Agents' Association of Pakistan (TAAP) After an eventful and accomplished life, Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala died in 1976 at the age of 71. However, he continues to be a guiding spirit to innumerable people, including his own sons and grandsons who are living examples of his selflessness and dedication to the promotion of the travel trade in Pakistan.
His sons have, independently and successfully carried on his different business endeavors. One was elected Chairman of TAAP. He also pioneered the 'Single Joint Guarantee System' for IATA on behalf of all IATA travel agents in Pakistan; a major breakthrough for the latter group. Yet another son was proud to see his ravel agency appointed as 'Travel Agents to the President of Pakistan'. His grandson Shakil Aftab Kashmirwala is the current Vice Chairman of TAAP (2004-05).
The most distinctive characteristic of the Kashmirwala family is the unique role it has played in the development of commercial aviation in Pakistan. The family has been in business since 1947, and today its name is synonymous with the country's travel trade.
Management Team
MANAGEMENT TEAM OF KASHMIRWALAGROUP
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