The hum of machinery filled the vast halls of Dewan Textile Mills. The rhythmic clatter of looms weaving fabric echoed across the factory floor, a testament to the ambition of two brothers who had dared to dream big. Yet, for Dewan Mohammad Yousuf Farooqui, the mill was only the first step. His vision extended far beyond textiles. He wanted an empire—one that would span industries and stand the test of time.
An Evening at the Dewan Residence
It was a humid evening in Karachi, and the Dewan family gathered at their Clifton residence. The house was not extravagant, but it was elegant—furnished with taste, reflecting both tradition and modernity. The walls were adorned with paintings, a mix of Pakistani landscapes and Islamic calligraphy. The dining table, large enough to seat a dozen, was set with traditional dishes: mutton korma, pulao, and fresh naan.
Yousuf sat at the head of the table, his younger brother Salman to his right, their father, Dewan Mohammad, at the opposite end. Their sisters, wives, and children filled the remaining seats. Despite the warm atmosphere, there was an air of seriousness in Yousuf's demeanor.
"I called this gathering because it's time we discuss the future of our family," Yousuf said, his voice calm but firm.
His father, a man of few words but great wisdom, folded his hands. "You have done well, Yousuf. The textile mill is already making a name for itself. What more do you seek?"
Yousuf glanced at Salman before answering. "We cannot stop at textiles, Abbu. We have the capability to expand into cement, sugar, and even automobiles. Pakistan is changing, and industries will drive its future."
His eldest sister, Shahana, raised an eyebrow. "Industries require capital, bhai. And expansion comes with risk. Have you thought this through?"
Salman leaned forward, addressing his sister. "Of course, we have. Look at the cement demand in Pakistan. Every year, new construction projects increase, but cement production is dominated by just a few players. We can enter the market and compete."
Their father nodded thoughtfully. "And how do you plan to finance this expansion? Banks will not offer endless loans."
Yousuf smiled. "That's why we need a family strategy. If we pool our resources, reinvest textile profits, and secure strategic partnerships, we can make this work. But we need to move quickly."
There was silence. The weight of Yousuf's vision settled over the family. It wasn't just about business—it was about legacy.
The Road to Cement
Three months later, the Dewan brothers sat across from a group of investors in a Karachi office. The room smelled of freshly brewed tea, the polished mahogany table reflecting the dim light from the chandelier above. Among the investors was Sheikh Aftab, a prominent businessman with interests in construction.
Yousuf slid a document across the table. "Gentlemen, this is our proposal for Dewan Cement. We have secured land near Karachi, close to essential raw materials. With the right investment, we can have production running within a year."
Sheikh Aftab adjusted his glasses, flipping through the pages. "Your textile success is impressive, but cement is an entirely different business. What makes you think you can compete with the likes of Lucky Cement and DG Khan Cement?"
Salman spoke up. "Because we understand efficiency. Our mill has thrived because we optimized costs and maintained quality. We will apply the same principles to cement production—modern machinery, cost-effective raw material sourcing, and a strong distribution network."
Aftab nodded, considering. "And the government? You know the industry is heavily influenced by political decisions."
Yousuf smiled knowingly. "We are prepared for that. Business is about strategy, not just production. We will build relationships where necessary."
Aftab leaned back in his chair. "If you can guarantee a return within five years, I'm in."
The deal was sealed. Within months, Dewan Cement was officially in development.
Family Conflicts and Leadership Decisions
As the company expanded, so did internal tensions. Not everyone in the family agreed with the rapid pace of growth. One evening, in Yousuf's office, his uncle, Dewan Ahmed, voiced his concerns.
"You are moving too fast, beta," Ahmed said, his voice laced with worry. "The textile business is stable, but cement, sugar, and now you talk of automobiles? You are stretching too thin."
Yousuf sighed, setting down his pen. "Chacha, industries must evolve. Look at Pakistan's future—the economy is diversifying. We must be ahead of the curve."
Ahmed shook his head. "And what if something goes wrong? What if demand crashes? What if politics shift?"
Salman, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Then we adapt. That is what business is about."
Ahmed looked between the two brothers, realizing that their determination was unshakable. He sighed. "I hope you are right."
The Sugar Gamble
Cement was not enough. Yousuf knew that Pakistan's agricultural sector was booming, and sugar was in constant demand. So, in the mid-1980s, Dewan Sugar Mills was launched. But unlike textiles and cement, this venture came with unexpected complications.
One day, as Yousuf inspected the sugar factory in Thatta, his plant manager, Kamal, approached him.
"Sir, we have a problem," Kamal said, wiping sweat from his brow.
Yousuf frowned. "What is it?"
"The local farmers are hesitant to sell their sugarcane to us. They are bound by agreements with older mills."
Yousuf considered this. "Then we offer them better rates."
Kamal hesitated. "Sir, the older mills won't like that. They have influence."
Yousuf smiled. "Then we build better relationships."
He spent weeks traveling between villages, meeting farmers, offering them fair deals, and ensuring they received timely payments. It was a battle of trust—and the Dewan name began to win.
Automobiles: The Boldest Move
By the mid-1990s, Dewan had conquered textiles, cement, and sugar. But Yousuf's greatest ambition lay ahead—automobiles.
One evening, over dinner, he shared his thoughts with Salman.
"The future is in cars," Yousuf said, sipping his tea. "Pakistan's middle class is growing. They need affordable, reliable vehicles."
Salman raised an eyebrow. "That's a massive investment, bhai."
Yousuf nodded. "Yes. But if we partner with a foreign brand, we can make it work."
Thus, Dewan Motors was born. After negotiations with South Korean automaker Hyundai, Dewan Motors secured the rights to assemble Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Pakistan. It was a historic deal—one that would define the Dewan legacy.
A Family Empire
As the years passed, the Dewan Group grew into one of Pakistan's most powerful industrial empires. The textile mills thrived, the cement factories supplied the nation's construction boom, sugar production met rising demands, and Dewan Motors put thousands of cars on the roads.
One evening, Yousuf stood on the balcony of his Karachi office, looking over the city skyline. Salman joined him, sipping a cup of tea.
"We did it, bhai," Salman said.
Yousuf smiled, but his eyes held a distant look. "Yes. But the real challenge is staying on top."
The Dewan family had built a dynasty—but in business, no empire is ever truly secure. The future held both promise and peril.
And the story of Beyond Steel and Wheels had only just begun.