Profile
Legal Structure
Packages Real Estate (Private) Limited
('the Company') was incorporated on March 09, 2006 as a private limited
company.The main objective is to carry on the business of all types of construction activities,
development and management of real estate. The Company is currently managing developed real estate projects titled "Packages
Mall" and "Corporate Offices" in Lahore at Shahrah-e-Roomi, P.O. Amer Sidhu. The
registered office of the Company is situated at Suite No. 416 - 422, G-20,
Block 9, Khayaban-e-Jami, Clifton, Karachi.
Background
The
Company was established in 2006 but remained dormant until the commissioning
of Packages Mall - 2017, followed by the development of office spaces leased
to major corporate clients. The Parent Company,
Packages Limited, own/occupies a land parcel of approximately 100 acres at the Walton
Road of Lahore, and leased out 52 acres to the Company to facilitate
commercial real estate activities. Of
this, Packages Mall was developed on nearly 30 acres, including 11 acres
dedicated to mall areas. Office spaces were constructed on 3 acres, leaving
the Company with a significant land bank for future expansion.
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Operations
The Company's real estate project, widely known as The
Packages Mall, along with office spaces leased to Nestlé Pakistan and British
American Tobacco (BAT). The mall features around
200 retail outlets, a food court hosting 30 international and local
restaurant chains, and a multiplex cinema. Currently operating at full
capacity (~100% occupancy), the Company is focusing on expansion,
which is being developed to
accommodate additional retail outlets. Additionally, discussions are underway
with several corporate clients regarding office space leases.
The
Mall was commissioned in 2017 at an estimated cost of PKR 13bln, with
PKR 4 billion financed through equity, PKR 8bln secured from financial
institutions, and the remaining amount contributed by the sponsor. As of
CY24, both the sponsor's loan and the bank financing for the Mall have been
successfully repaid.
The
mall's key anchor tenants include Carrefour, a food court, and a multiplex
cinema. Lease agreements vary among tenants; however, most are subject to an
annual rental increase of 10%. At present, all retail spaces are fully
leased.
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Ownership
Ownership Structure
The Company is a subsidiary of Packages Limited,
which holds a 75.16% stake, while the remaining 24.84% is owned by IGI
Investments (Private) Limited.
Stability
As part of Packages Limited—the
flagship investment holding company of Ali Group with a legacy of over 65
years—the Company benefits from a solid ownership structure that underscores
its strong institutional patronage, ensuring long-term strategic stability.
Since the Company’s inception, its shareholders have remained consistent—a
testament to their shared vision and alignment with the Company’s objectives.
The Company's growth is attributed to its stable and committed ownership, which
continues to steer the Company toward long-term success.
Business Acumen
Ali Group is
recognized as one of the foremost industrial conglomerates in the country,
with a diversified portfolio spanning multiple key sectors, including paper
and paperboard, packaging, financial institutions, education, and real
estate. With a strong legacy built over several decades, the Group has
established as a strong player in the industry, upholding high standards
comparable to top multinational corporations operating in Pakistan.
Ali Group’s
business strategy is further strengthened by itsalliances with
international joint ventures enhance its holding structure and reinforce its
commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Through strategic
partnerships and continuous investment in its core industries, the Group has
played a pivotal role in shaping the industrial landscape of Pakistan,
fostering economic development, and creating employment opportunities.
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Financial Strength
Packages Group showcases
its financial strength with a consolidated asset base of approximately PKR 245.3bln, supported by equity of around PKR 88.3bln as of September 2024(9MCY25).
This strong financial foundation highlights the Group’s stability and ability
to drive sustained growth and investment.
Governance
Board Structure
The Company's Board of Directors comprises seven members, including the Chairman and Chief Executive. It includes five non-executive directors, one independent director, and representation from the sponsoring family with two family members. The non-executive directors are serving executives of associated companies.
Members’ Profile
The
Board of Directors, comprising members with diverse backgrounds and extensive
expertise, serves as a key source of oversight and strategic guidance for the
management. Each member brings a unique skill set, ensuring a well-balanced
and experienced leadership team. The Company's Board of Directors is led by Chairman Mr. Syed Hyder Ali, who plays a key role in shaping strategic direction and holds directorships in Packages Power (Pvt.) Ltd. and Chem Coats (Pvt.) Ltd. Mr. Khurram Raza Bakhtayari, the sole Executive Director and CEO, oversees operations and strategic decision-making, with affiliations in multiple organizations including Bulleh Shah Packaging (Pvt.) Ltd., IGI Life Insurance Co. Ltd., and Tri-Pack Films Ltd. Non-Executive Directors include Mr. Syed Hyder Ali, Chairman of Bulleh Shah Packaging (Pvt.) Ltd. and CEO of Packages Convertor Ltd.; Ms. Syeda Henna Babar Ali, who brings extensive industry expertise; Mr. Syed Aslam Mehdi, focused on corporate governance; Mr. Imran Khalid Niazi, affiliated with AJ Holdings, LUMS, and Packages Ltd.; and Mr. Rizwan Ullah Khan, a director at SIA Beverages (Pvt.) Ltd., further strengthening the board’s industry reach.
Board Effectiveness
The Company has established audit and investment committees that enforce policies and procedures to ensure accurate reporting and professionalism. Board meetings are well-organized, with formal minutes recorded for reference.
Financial Transparency
A.F. Ferguson Chartered Accountants & Co.,
classified in category ‘A’ by the SBP and having a satisfactory QCR rating,
are the external auditors of the Company. They have given an unqualified
opinion on the financial statements for the year ending December 2024.
Management
Organizational Structure
The Company has a well-structured organizational framework, primarily divided into two core departments: Operations and Finance. The Operations Department is further subdivided into specialized functions, including Technical, Legal, Supply Chain, EHS (Environment, Health & Safety), Security, Digital Marketing, Leasing, and Floor Operations. On the other hand, the Finance Department manages Project Management, IT, and Internal Audit, playing a critical role in maintaining financial stability and regulatory compliance. Department heads within Operations report to the General Manager (GM) of Operations, while the Finance Department directly reports to the CEO. Each operational function is led by a qualified and experienced professional, ensuring effective execution, strategic alignment, and smooth coordination across all departments.
Management Team
With over twenty-five years of experience, Mr. Khurram Raza Bakhtayari serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company, leading its strategic direction and overseeing operational initiatives. Mr. Ayyaz Zafar, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), brings more than fourteen years of expertise, with the past eight years dedicated to advancing the Company’s financial strategy. He reports directly to the CEO. Mr. Syed Munzir Hassan, the General Manager (GM) responsible for operations, has over a decade of experience and also reports directly to the CEO. Other key members of the management team include Mr. Mohammad Taha Siddiqui, Manager of Technical; Mr. Muaz Munir, Manager of Supply Chain; and Mr. Waqas Awan, Manager of Leasing. Additionally, department heads overseeing areas such as Security, Digital Operations, EHS (Environment, Health & Safety), Leasing, and Floor Operations report to GM - Mr. Syed Munzir Hassan. While the management team is relatively new, it is composed of experienced professionals who are instrumental in driving the company’s growth and ensuring operational efficiency.
Effectiveness
The Company
has no management committees in place. However, management accounts are
discussed among senior management to review monthly activity.
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MIS
Since
September 2017, the Company has utilized Oracle 12.2.5, implemented by A.F.
Ferguson & Co., as its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Reports
covering revenues, project costs, marketing, and receivables are generated
and submitted to senior management on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis,
ensuring informed decision-making and efficient operational oversight.
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Control Environment
To
enhance operational efficiency, the Internal Audit Function is
positioned at the Group level, where it plays a critical role in
identifying, assessing, and reporting risks. This structure ensures
independent oversight, strengthens internal controls, and supports risk
management across the organization. Additionally the Internal Audit
Department plays a crucial role in ensuring efficiency, transparency, and
adherence to standard operating procedures within the Company. It conducts
thorough evaluations of business processes to identify potential weaknesses,
failures, and discrepancies through various tests and analyses. Following
these assessments, a comprehensive report is submitted to the Board of
Directors and other stakeholders, summarizing key findings. Internal audit
reports across all departments are well-documented, incorporating management
response action plans and follow-ups, with risks categorized based on a
structured risk rating mechanism to enhance governance and decision-making.
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Business Risk
Industry Dynamics
In FY24, Pakistan’s
real estate sector navigated a challenging landscape marked by high interest
rates, sluggish construction activity, and project delays. Despite these
hurdles, the sector saw a turnaround as macroeconomic stability improved,
supported by monetary easing, controlled inflation, a stable PKR, and
increased foreign reserves. Additionally, government measures to formalize
the economy, expand the tax base, and regulate the foreign exchange market
further bolstered market confidence. Pakistan’s rapid
urbanization and young population present long-term growth opportunities, yet
economic constraints such as high CPI inflation (24.52%) and elevated
interest rates (19.5%) have limited sectoral expansion. The office real
estate market remained robust, with MNCs and local businesses sustaining high
occupancy in Grade A buildings. The co-working and hospitality sectors
rebounded, while industrial real estate witnessed growing demand for
warehouses. In contrast, the residential segment struggled, as investor
activity slowed. As 2025 unfolds, the
real estate market is undergoing a transformation, fueled by economic
recovery, policy shifts, and changing buyer preferences. Interest rates have dropped
to 12%, with expectations of further reductions to 9%, complemented by a stable
currency and controlled inflation, making real estate an increasingly
attractive investment avenue. Urban development is
evolving rapidly, with smart city initiatives, integrating energy-efficient
infrastructure, advanced security systems, and smart housing solutions to
cater to modern buyers. There is rising demand for mixed-use developments
that blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, reshaping urban
planning. Simultaneously, the commercial real estate sector is also set for
expansion.
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Relative Position
Packages
Real Estate Pvt Ltd has significantly strengthened its presence in Pakistan’s
retail and commercial real estate sector through its flagship venture, Packages
Mall. Strategically located at the company's Lahore site, Packages Mall
stands as one of the largest and most prestigious shopping malls in the
country, featuring a diverse mix of local and international retail brands, a
state-of-the-art food court, and modern entertainment facilities, including
cinemas. The mall has positioned itself as a premier shopping and leisure
destination, catering to a wide consumer base. Beyond retail, Packages Limited has
successfully ventured into commercial real estate, offering premium office
spaces leased to multinational corporations (MNCs) and leading local
businesses. The company's substantial land bank provides further
opportunities for expansion, strengthening its long-term growth prospects.
Future developments on this prime real estate could include commercial,
residential, or mixed-use projects, ensuring continued value creation. The competitive landscape in Lahore's
retail and hospitality sector is evolving, with Emporium Mall by Nishat Group
and the recent entry of Dolmen Mall intensifying market competition.
Additionally, Nishat Group’s hospitality business, including high-end hotels
adjacent to its retail ventures, adds another layer of competition by
offering an integrated shopping and lodging experience. Despite this, Packages
Mall maintains a distinct advantage due to its strategic location, strong
brand portfolio, and comprehensive retail and entertainment offerings as well
as extensive land holdings.
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Revenues
The
Company’s revenue is derived from a diversified business model spanning three
key segments:
1.
License Fee
& Rental Income – Primarily generated from leasing commercial spaces
within Packages Mall and office rentals.
2.
Service &
Management Charges – Comprising fees for managing and maintaining the mall
and associated facilities.
3.
Advertisement
& Parking Income – Revenue from advertising within the mall premises and parking
fees collected from visitors.
The
Company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth at an CAGR of approx. 13%,
reaching PKR 6.01bln in CY24, up from PKR 5.3bln in CY23 (CY22: PKR 4.5bln,
CY21: PKR 3.2bln). This increase is driven by a higher occupancy rate , due to the opening of new outlets and rental escalations in
response to inflationary pressures, reflecting the strong demand for
commercial spaces and sustained growth in the Company’s real estate
portfolio.
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Sustainability
Packages Real Estate Company, with Packages Mall
and premium office spaces in its portfolio, is well-positioned for long-term
sustainability. The mall’s diverse retail mix, entertainment facilities, and
strategic location ensure a steady footfall and consistent rental income,
making it a resilient asset despite market fluctuations. Additionally, the leasing
of high-quality office spaces to multinational corporations and local
enterprises provides stable revenue streams. The company's substantial land
bank offers future growth opportunities, allowing for potential expansion into commercial,
residential, or mixed-use developments. By maintaining a diversified and
adaptive real estate strategy, Packages ensures sustained profitability and
market competitiveness in the evolving real estate landscape.
Financial Risk
Working capital
The
Company manages its working capital requirements through a mix of internal
cash generation and short-term borrowings from banks. The borrowing limit
stands at PKR 3.5bln, with 74% utilized as of CY24. Given
the nature of its business, the Company does not require inventory holdings,
and its working capital primarily revolves around trade receivables. Over the
years, it has maintained a strong position in working capital management
through effective administration of debtors and creditors. As a result, the
Company’s receivable days remain stable at 12 days, ensuring efficient cash
flow management. Meanwhile, trade payable days increased to 7 days in CY24,
up from 5 days, reflecting an extended payment cycle that supports liquidity
without straining supplier relationships.
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Coverages
The Company's FCFO represents
a sustained trend with a positive momentum and clocked at PKR 2.36bln in CY24
(CY23: PKR 2.32bln, CY22: PKR 1.87bln). As a result of the FCFO, the interest
coverage ratio stood at 1.5x in CY24 (CY23: 1.7x, CY22: 2.1x). While the
ratio remains above 1.0x, further monitoring is warranted as it indicates a
weakening ability to service debt with operating cash flow.
Capitalization
The Company remains in a moderate to high leveraged zone, with a leverage
ratio of 65% in CY24, showing a slight improvement from 66% in CY23 and 68%
in CY22. The short-term debt component has increased, constituting 34% of the
total debt portfolio in CY24, up from 29.5% in CY23 and 16% in CY22. Despite
this, the Company’s financial position has strengthened, driven by a notable
improvement in accumulated profits, which recovered from negative PKR 943mln in CY21 to negative PKR 153mln in CY24.
This turnaround is attributed to higher profitability, with net
profit rising from PKR 178mln in CY21 to PKR 633mln in CY24, enabling the Company to consistently pay dividends. As a
result, the equity base expanded to PKR 4.2blnin CY24, up from PKR 3.4bln in CY21, contributing to an improved leverage ratio. Meanwhile, the total
debt level remained stable at PKR 8bln from CY21 to CY24, reflecting the
Company’s focus on financial sustainability and gradual deleveraging.
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