The Saigol Group (Urdu pronunciation:[ˈsɛɡ.əl]SEG-uhl) is a group of companies headquartered in Lahore. It was founded by Amin Saigol in the 1930s with a small shop that eventually developed into the Kohinoor Rubber Works.[1][2]
History
The Saigol family were originally farmers from a small town called Khotian, Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan. Khotian town was later named Saigolabad after this family. Sayeed Saigol moved to Calcutta in the 1930s and opened a shoe store. He opened a rubber shoe factory, and was a supplier of rubber shoes and raincoats to the Allied Forces during World War II.[1]
In 1972, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto regime started its nationalization drive and most businesses of the Saigol Group were nationalized over the next four years. By 1976, only the textile and sugar businesses remained.[1]
Then under General Zia-ul-Haq's regime beginning in 1977 reprivatization of industries started. In the early 1980s, the Saigol Group started rebuilding and reinvesting after their losses due to nationalization of industries in Pakistan during the 1970s.[1]
The group is now managed by three Saigol brothers: Tariq Saigol, Nasim Saigol, and Taufeeq Saigol.[4] Their sister Naz Saigol is married to Mian Muhammad Mansha.
Tariq Saigol, the eldest brother, is head of Kohinoor-Maple group, which owns the Kohinoor textile mills and Maple-Leaf Cement.[5] He is known to be openly critical of the Pakistani government's lack of interest in the textile sector. Nasim Saigol heads PEL and Kohinoor industries.[6] Rafiq, the youngest brother, takes care of the group's other business interests.
