Haji Nisar Ahmed was a visionary industrialist, respected businessman, and one of the most influential figures behind the growth of Pakistan’s edible oil, sugar, and industrial sectors. A man of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering faith, he dedicated his life to business, family values, and the continuation of the legacy established by both of his brothers, Haji Muhammad Rafique and Haji Muhammad Saleem.
Resided in Faisalabad, Haji Nisar Ahmed migrated to Karachi in 1951 after recognizing the city’s immense potential as the future business hub of Pakistan. With determination and entrepreneurial vision, he entered the textile sector and acquired a textile mill in SITE Area, Karachi, known as Paracha Textiles. The facility produced garments and exported products to international markets including the United Kingdom. However, despite early ambitions, Paracha Textiles eventually faced severe financial difficulties and went bankrupt after a few years.
Rather than giving up, Haji Nisar Ahmed displayed extraordinary perseverance and resilience. Years later, alongside his brother Haji Muhammad Saleem, he transformed the same Paracha Textiles facility into the foundation of a new industrial journey.
In 1983, Haji Muhammad Saleem established the original Kisan edible oil facility in Faisalabad under the name Faisalabad Oil Refinery. Inspired by the vision and success of the brand, Haji Nisar Ahmed later established another branch and facility of Kisan Group in Karachi, operating from the same Paracha Textiles facility. Together, the brothers expanded Kisan into one of Pakistan’s leading edible oil brands, recognized nationwide for quality and trust.
Together with his son, Mian Muhammad Ahmed, Haji Nisar Ahmed elevated the Karachi operations of Kisan to another level. Through innovation, strategic expansion, and strong market leadership, Kisan became one of Pakistan’s most recognized and trusted household brands and a leading name in the edible oil industry.
Following the demise of his elder brother Haji Muhammad Saleem in 1995, Haji Nisar Ahmed made a deeply principled and emotional decision. Believing Kisan to be part of his brother’s legacy, he shifted the Kisan brand fully toward Madinah Group and handed it over to the sons of Haji Muhammad Saleem, whom he considered the rightful custodians of their father’s vision and legacy.
After transferring the Kisan brand, Haji Nisar Ahmed utilized the same Karachi facility to establish Mezan Group in 1996. Initially launched as a modest representation inspired by the foundation and experience of Kisan, Mezan Cooking Oil gradually built its own powerful identity in the market and eventually became one of Pakistan’s leading edible oil brands — a position it proudly maintains today. Under his leadership, Mezan Group expanded into multiple sectors and became one of the country’s most respected business groups.
Haji Nisar Ahmed also founded Ali Daniyal Industries, which became one of Pakistan’s well-known solvent extraction facilities and played a major role in the country’s edible oil and feed industry.
Alongside his achievements in the edible oil sector, Haji Nisar Ahmed carried forward the legacy of both of his brothers — Haji Muhammad Rafique, founder of Hamza Sugar Mills, and Haji Muhammad Saleem, founder of Madinah Group and Kisan. Serving as Chairman of the Board of Hamza Sugar Mills, he transformed the company into Pakistan’s largest sugar mill and, by the time of his demise in December 2017, one of the largest sugar mills in Asia. Through strategic planning, industrial expansion, and continuous initiatives, he ensured the long-term growth and stability of the organization while simultaneously strengthening the family’s industrial legacy across multiple sectors.
Despite overseeing both Mezan Group and Hamza Sugar Mills simultaneously, Haji Nisar Ahmed remained deeply humble, principled, and spiritually grounded. He was widely known as a righteous and pure-hearted individual who strongly believed in Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). His leadership was built not only upon business excellence, but also upon integrity, family unity, trust, and faith.
Before his passing in December 2017, Haji Nisar Ahmed honored his late brother Haji Muhammad Rafique’s legacy by appointing his nephew — the son of Haji Muhammad Rafique – Muhammad Tayyab as Chairman of the Board of Hamza Sugar Mills. This decision reflected his lifelong commitment to family values and his belief that Hamza Sugar Mills rightfully belonged to the legacy of its founder.
Today, Mezan Group and Hamza Sugar Mills continue to remain part of the immediate family business group, while Kisan Group remains part of the extended family legacy. The life of Haji Nisar Ahmed stands as a remarkable story of perseverance, leadership, faith, sacrifice, and dedication — a legacy that continues to inspire future generations
