Sumair Siddiqui

Pakistan Beverage Limited (PBL)

On the 14th of August, 1950, imbued with the passion of nationalism, one of the most dynamic beverage manufacturers in Pakistan, was born. This young organisation then launched Pakistan's first local carbonated soft drink (CSD) brand, Pakola, which is now uniquely recognisable. Set up in the heart of Karachi's S.I.T.E. area, on a 1000 square yard plot, this budding company has since blossomed into the largest beverage manufacturing and selling company in Pakistan. This, is the story of Pakistan Beverage Limited (PBL). In the years following its inception, PBL quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the market leader in beverage manufacturing. It was this stellar performance and commitment to quality products, that invited the attention of many multinational companies looking for a partner in Pakistan. This paved the way for PBL to acquire a franchise licence from Pepsi Co, allowing to become a Pepsi-Cola bottler in 1979. PBL continued to excel as a Pepsi-Cola Bottler in the years that followed. Under the robust leadership of its chief executive and managing director, Mr Yasin Haji Kassam, his brother and director Mr Siraj Kassam Teli, and his son, Mr Zaid Yasin, PBL has been able to reach immense heights such as becoming PepsiCo's 2015 International Bottler of the Year, Bottler of the Year for the Asia, Middle East, and North Africa region. It also became the first franchise in Pakistan to produce and sell 100 million cases (8 oz) of Liquid Refreshment Beverages (LRB). With the recent induction of Mr Nusair Siraj Teli, PBL is poised to pursue and attain even more heights.