Watan se door, watan ki khushbo: The man behind Sharjah's Pakistan Chowk
Dubai: You do not need an address to get to Pakistani Chowk. You need a taxi and a driver who understands you, and in Sharjah's Al Mujarrah, he will get you there. "When you ask a taxi driver that you want to go to Pakistan Chowk, you don't have to tell him how to get there," says Sohail Khawar. "You don't have to clarify that you want to head to Al Mujarrah either. Because most taxi drivers are…
Dubai: To find Pakistani Chowk in Sharjah, you don't need a specific address – you just need a taxi with a driver who understands your request. Pakistani taxi drivers in the Al Mujarrah area instinctively know that when someone desires a visit to Pakistan Chowk, they should guide them directly to that location. The man behind this unique identity is Sohail Khawar, who has been involved with Pakistani Chowk for over 25 years.
Khawar arrived in the UAE in 1979 and started his journey by opening a sweet shop in Abu Dhabi before expanding to Sharjah and Dubai.
Khawar's vision for Pakistan Chowk began with Al Hajjaj Grocery, his first venture in Al Mujarrah, which opened in 2000. As his shop gained popularity, he gradually added groceries, sweet counters, and restaurants to the area, giving it a distinct identity that earned the nickname "Pakistan Chowk." This area, originally known as Al Mujarrah, is a bustling hub of Pakistani-owned businesses, including sweet shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and tailors.
A significant element of Pakistan Chowk's charm is the slogan "Watan se door, watan ki khushbo," which translates to "Away from home, the scent of the homeland." Khawar came up with this phrase to capture the emotions of the area's customers, particularly those from the previous generation who experienced the taste of Pakistan while visiting the store.
The success of Pakistan Chowk lies in its community-driven approach, with residents from various nationalities flocking to the area during special occasions like Eid, Pakistan's Independence Day, and mango season.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
