Legends-Haji Ali Mohammad Pakolawala and Teli group

Late Haji Ali Mohammad was a memon philanthropist and entrepreneur who introduced Pakistan’s first national branded drink Pakola which in no time bacame famous and mass favorite. His family came to be known as Pakolawala's, after the famous drink.He also founded Gul Ahmed-a major business group of Pakistan.

Belonging to a family residing in Dhoraji he and his brothers had done wonders in the business world and the younger ones of the family have followed their footsteps.Haji Ali Mohammad's family in known in the business circles as Teli group or more commonly Pakolawalas.This family has contributed a lot in the economy of Pakistan.This family started its business in 1890 in India. Seven brothers Haji Abdul Sattar, Haji Qassim, Haji Abdul Lateef, Haji Habib and Haji Ali Muhammad, Haji Karim, Haji Joosub started Dhabeji Salt Works, between Karachi and Thatta. In Dhoraji they started schools and other social welfare organisations and during the period 1940-41 they established a trust by the name of 'Haji Tahir Muhammad Kassim Charitable Trust' which was transferred to Karachi in 1948.

Jamal Noor Hospital courtesy for images:Hamza Motiwala and Noman Motiwala(paanjo Dhoraji)

 

 

 

All the brothers were very service-minded persons. They became one of the leading groups of industrialists of the country. They were in the forefront of social service and established several institutions to which they contributed fabulously large sums of money. Their charity extended beyond the borders of Pakistan and were well-known internationally. They contributed a large amount towards the construction of Masjid-e-Ghafooria. They are looking after and managing Jamal Noor Hospital which is providing low cost and even free treatment to the people of Karachi irrespective of caste, creed and community. They also played a leading part in the field of rehabilitation in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur and outside Pakistan.

Haji Ali Muhammad became the President of the Pakistan Memon Educational and Welfare Society. Haji Ibrahim, eldest nephew is the head of the Memon Educational Board which runs and manages many schools in Karachi. They also established a girls school in Dhoraji Colony, Karachi.

The entire family is active in industrial and charitable activities, donating large amounts in the field of education, health, and running of Madarassas all over Pakistan.Some of the family business interests, such as Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Limited, are now managed by his son, Bashir Ali Mohammad.
Pakola
Pakola is a line of fruit flavored soft drinks, originally introduced in Pakistan in 1950 by Haji Ali Muhammad. It is produced by Mehran Bottlers (Pvt) Ltd. It is the first nationally branded soft drink of Pakistan. Hence its name Pakola meaning 'Cola of Pakistan.' The original green color Pakola ice cream soda is still popular in Pakistan. However, other Pakola flavours, like Pakola Lychee, have gained popularity. Another famous type of Pakola is Pakola Orange, which is an orange soda with an ice cream taste.



Gul Ahmed

The Gul Ahmed Group began trading in textiles in the early 1900s. In 1953, the group decided to enter the field of manufacturing under the name Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Limited, and was incorporated as a privately limited company. In 1972, it was listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange. Since then, the company has made rapid progress and is currently one of the leading composite textile houses in the world.