History — Kashmirwala Group
1947

Kashmirwala Group

A Legacy
of Vision

Pioneering Pakistan's travel trade since independence

Founder Profile

Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala
1905 – 1976
Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala

Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala was a pioneering figure in Pakistan’s travel and tourism industry and the founder of the Kashmirwala Group. With a strong business background and early involvement in publishing, transport, hospitality, and industry, he later dedicated his vision to aviation and travel services. Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, he established the Kashmirwala Group, which expanded into a nationwide travel network by the late 1950s. He actively promoted domestic and international tourism and played a key role in developing organized travel infrastructure, including excursion train initiatives with Pakistan Railways and contributions to the formation of the All Pakistan Travel Agents Association in 1959. His legacy continues to define Kashmirwala Group as a trusted name in Pakistan’s aviation and travel industry.

Second Generation

While all the other sons of Late Fazal Ahmed chose to exclusively focus on Travel Agency business, Mr. Aftab Kashmirwala ventured into other disciplines of Commercial aviation.

When Kashmir Corporation was appointed as the first GSA and Ground Handling Agent for the National Airlines (PIA) at three domestic online stations — Hyderabad, Sukkur and Nawab Shah — Mr. Aftab was the Chief Operating Officer of this new venture. Extensively trained by his father in the multiple operational, marketing and servicing disciplines of Airlines and equipped with years of experience as GSA/GHIA of PIA, he decided to offer his expertise to foreign airlines.

Airlines Represented in Pakistan

Qantas Airways (QF), Turkish Airlines (TK), Air Mauritius (MK), South African Airlines (SA), Asiana Airlines (OZ), China Airlines (CI), Royal Brunei Airlines (BI), Air Portugal (TP), Ukraine Int'l Airlines (PS), Aerosvit Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines (J2)

Mr. Aftab Kashmirwala also went into partnership with Mio Ogden Aviation Services, the reputed international airlines Ground handling Company of USA, for providing ground handling services to International airlines at Karachi Airport. In order to promote such a large number of reputable international Airlines in Pakistan, Mr. Aftab not only developed a vast state of the art infrastructure spanning the entire country, but also hired and trained a highly professional workforce to ensure the highest quality of services.

Mr. Aftab Kashmirwala did his father and his country proud by his immense contribution to the promotion of Air Travel Trade in Pakistan. He ensured that his father's legacy endures.

Aftab Ahmed Kashmirwala
Jan 1942 – July 2013
Aftab Ahmed Kashmirwala

A Letter from History

Historic Letter from Quaid-e-Azam
12 June 1942

Historic Letter from
Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah

To Our Late Founder, Haji Fazal Ahmed Kashmirwala

A historic correspondence from Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah acknowledging Mr. Kashmirwala's valuable contribution at the All India Muslim League session held in 1942.

This letter reflects a moment of deep respect and recognition during a defining period of the independence movement. It highlights not only the significance of the contribution made by Mr. Kashmirwala, but also the trust and appreciation expressed by the leadership of the Muslim League at that time.

This rare document offers a glimpse into the close association between prominent individuals and the leadership during a crucial phase of history. It also underscores the active involvement and influence of the Kashmirwala family in key national events. Furthermore, it serves as a testament to their commitment, integrity, and lasting impact during the struggle for independence.

Preserved as part of the family's legacy, this document stands as a symbol of honor, heritage, and the enduring role of the Kashmirwala family in the pre-independence history of the subcontinent.