Conversation with Mr. Gul Muhammad Lot — Chairman, Mehran Group of Industries
Excerpts of the conversation with Mr. Gul Muhammad Lot are as follows:
Mehran Spice & Food Industries is a renowned and fast-growing FMCG organization. It is the biggest food export company in Pakistan and exports to more than 60 countries throughout the world. It stands as one of the most reputed food company and a dominant global brand through delicious food solutions of premium quality under the categories of Recipe Mixes, Plain Spices, Paste, Pickles, Sauces, Rice, Salt & Desserts. With a vision to become a leading global food company, we have a relentless focus on excellence in all we do, ensuring a wholesome experience for our consumers all around the world.
In the deadly wave of flash floods across Pakistan, Mehran Spice & Food Industries have been doing CSR activities for the flood-affected people and Mehran joined hands with JDC Foundation and Saylani Welfare International Trust and provided food to flood-affected people located in interior Sindh, Punjab, and Baluchistan. We have donated essential food items including Rice, Curry powder, and various spices in a form of Rashan bags.
Millions of people have been affected by floods in Pakistan, the death toll is rising, and the government has declared a national emergency. Families in Pakistan have lost everything in the recent monsoon rains and floods. The situation is even worse than the devastating floods of 2010. Millions of people need emergency food and humanitarian assistance. Nevertheless, Mehran has been able to continue assisting thousands of affected people/households. Assistance has been provided through provisions of food and non-food items.
One of the primary roles in flood relief emerges from the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which unifies the public, private, and non-government sectors (NGOs) in advocating for holistic solutions. Mehran Spice & Food Industries has taken initiatives to support needy and poor families for several years in the shape of providing food, education, medical help, providing cash, installation of solar plants, R.O. plants, etc.
The objective of Mehran Spice & Food Industries is to plough back to the communities within which the company operates by enhancing lives, improving well-being, and building lasting emotional capital. Mehran engages in proactive initiatives which deliver an impact on the social-economic well-being of communities by way of investing in our society. We also participate in initiatives that are geared towards the preservation and long-term sustainability of the environment.
In Pakistan, most of the population does not have access to clean drinking water which results in the outbreak of several preventable diseases and deaths. Improper sanitation negatively impacts the health and well-being of people. To counter this, it is essential to spread awareness about safe practices that ensure better health and hygiene.
There is an acute water shortage in many rural areas of Sindh. In the areas where water is available, most of it is not safe enough for drinking and everyday use. Responding to this crisis, Mehran has installed water pumps across Interior Sindh where there was immense water scarcity.
Mehran is also actively involved in Thar district and assisting local communities with an emphasis on improving the quality of life of people, Mehran spread awareness regarding the benefits of consuming clean drinking water and installed R.O. plants in Thar district at different places that are good for their health.
Health and well-being are the basic rights of every human being. However, healthcare in Pakistan, in particular, is not accessible to everyone. There is also not a lot of awareness regarding many diseases among the people. Awareness and accessibility are two key areas to ensure that every citizen gets proper healthcare.
In this regard, Mehran partnered with various charity hospitals in Pakistan and provided medical facilities to people across Pakistan. In addition, we provide medical help in the form of medicines & provide assistance to people for treatment in hospital.
Quality education is a fundamental right of everyone. It is only through education that we can unlock countless opportunities and contribute to a progressively healthy society. Unfortunately, many children never get a chance to attend school due to various socio-economic hurdles while those who do, do not receive the quality education that they deserve. With substantially low literacy rates and low levels of accessibility and diversity, basic education has become a privilege that only a few can afford.
We understand that educated and skilled youth are the driving force of a country, therefore Mehran provides vocational training to employees and workers, helping them build skills and boost their employability. Recently for 1500 villages of Thar districts, we have announced to provide financial assistance to the top 3 students from each village for their higher education in case their parents cannot afford it.
In addition, Mehran provided thousands of chairs to a school in the Thar district and helps orphans for the purpose of education, etc. These are the factors that Mehran is continuing to get success through the prayers of loving people. We aim to contribute towards a learned and prosperous Pakistan.
Mehran Spice & Food Industries continues to reach underserved communities in far-flung areas of the country through its diverse CSR program for several decades. Provision of sustainable energy solutions, Mehran installed numerous solar plants, especially in the Thar district at mosques, temples, and churches. We have made Tharparkar our focal point simply because the people of Thar live below the poverty line, in extremely inhumane conditions.
A robust and prosperous society is imperative for the growth of business. Creating shared value is more than a responsibility for Mehran & it is embedded in the corporate goals of the organization. We channel our passion and aspirations to positively impact Pakistan with a focus on education, health-care, livelihood, infrastructural development, and environmental sustainability.