The founder and chairman of Hashoo Group, Sadruddin Hashwani, becomes the first-ever businessman in the history of Pakistan to be awarded Nishan-i-Imtiaz, the highest civil honour, in recognition of his relentless and meritorious services to the country. Founded in 1960, Hashoo Group is a global enterprise which comprises over 20 independently-operating companies. Based in Pakistan, the group operates across three continents with a mission to ensure long term profitability, increase shareholder value, provide career opportunities and continuously support the development of the communities where it operates. From its humble origins in cotton trading, the group has expanded its expertise to an array of industries, including hospitality, oil and gas exploration and production, information technology, investment, minerals, mining, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, real estate and commodities. In all of its endeavours, Hashoo Group has always worked in the larger interest of Pakistan. Hashoo Group owns and operates the five-star Pearl Continental Hotels and Marriott Hotels, as well as the Hotel One brand in Pakistan. The group has been leading the hospitality industry of the country for nearly four decades. It has a presence in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gwadar, Bhurban and Muzaffarabad. The group has plans to launch four new five star hotels in Hayatabad, Malam Jabba, Mirpur and Multan this year. On the philanthropic side, Hashwani has founded a non-profit organisation, Hashoo Foundation, which has extensively worked to address humanitarian and social concerns. These cover the areas of education, healthcare, social protection, disaster risk reduction and livelihoods in communities across the country. The foundation also contributes to the priorities of youth employment and women empowerment. Through its diversified programmes across Pakistan, the foundation has benefitted over one million people; devising economic opportunities for millions. In 1988, the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi conferred the Outstanding Professional Contribution Award upon him. In 2014, the Kingdom of Belgium granted him the Award of Knight-Commander in the Order of Leopold II to recognise his services to the Kingdom of Belgium. He firmly believes that his continuing success has come against all odds and is due to his strong faith and the infinite blessings of the Almighty and his forefathers. A self-made man from a middle-class background, Hashwani is among Pakistan’s most eminent citizens and best-known philanthropists.