This historic photograph was captured on the 16th of November 2008, at 5:54 in the evening, in an apartment located in the Diplomatic Enclave in Capital city of Islamabad, owned by former Prime Minister of Pakistan Honourable Justice Nasir – Ul – Mulk, himself from the Alumni of Hasan Abdal convent . It features Honourable Kamran Khan himself, wearing his trademark smile, sitting beside me and my son, Azeem Khan Effendi.
This momentous occasion occurred precisely six months after the commencement of a major Army operation launched in Swat in early May. This operation led to the mass exodus of millions of Internally Displaced Persons from Swat, marking the largest migration since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
The devastation inflicted upon Swat was not merely financial; it also resulted in a severe capital flight and a significant brain drain. Among those affected was the Honourable Kamran Khan, a legend in his own right, renowned not only as a brilliant businessman but also for his refined and cultured lifestyle. His reputation, combined with the efforts of his cousin, the late Karim Buksh, formed a formidable business team and remained the uncrowned kings of the kingdom of business in Swat.
Late Uncle Kamran Khan, being my late father’s dear friend , stood as a pioneer of industry in Swat. Driven by a deep sense of nationalism, all of his business ventures carried either historic or typical Pushto names. From the Brakhna (Lightning) Industry to the Palvasha (Ray of Light) Cinema and the Udayana Market, named after the ancient Swat, his influence extended far and wide. To this day, his esteemed son, Rafi Ul Mulk, continues his legacy by running a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the education of orphans, aptly named Khpal Kor (Own House).
Swat, during its princely state days and the post-state era, owes much to Kamran Khan and his business family in terms of economic activities . They predominantly monopolized businesses in the capital hub of Mingora City, a tradition that continues to this day. However, ironically, Swat no longer enjoys the economic prosperity, security and peace it once did, leaving many Swatis nostalgic for bygone days.
Late Kamran Khan was the father of the former Interim Prime Minister and former Chief Justice, Honourable Nasir Ul Mulk, an individual of unwavering principles who refrained from extending professional favors, much to the chagrin of both family and friends. The credit for his high moral upbringing goes to the late Kamran Khan, who ensured that his children received the best education available in early Pakistan.
This family’s commitment to education had a ripple effect on society. When the revered Irish nuns established the first English Medium School, Public School Sangota Swat, in 1965, Kamran Khan’s two daughters were among the first to volunteer as teachers. Personally, I had the privilege of being taught by the Honorable Mrs. Eshrat Mehboob, his eldest daughter, and Mrs. Khurshid Kamran Khan, his wife. To both of them, I am eternally grateful and wish them good health and a long life.
Recently, I received a missed call on my WhatsApp from Miss Eshrat, the name by which she is known to her past pupils from Public School Sangota Swat. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t reconnect. Given the precarious security situation, especially in Swat, where she resides, I grew concerned. In my desperation, I reached out to Lewangeen Khan, the youngest son of the legendary Kamran Khan. It was through him that I learned she is currently abroad. My best wishes go out to her and the entire family.
Long Live Pakistan And Those Who Contribute to Its Economic Prosperity!
