We are all children of the same God- Sadruddin Hashwani, Marriott Islamabad

Sadruddin Hashwani is Chairman of the Hashoo Group, one of Pakistan’s largest Industrial groups, with extensive interests in tourism, travel, real estate development, pharmaceuticals, IT, and oil and gas sectors.

He is also the owner of the five-star Islamabad Marriot, which was reduced to rubble when a suicide bomber exploded a massive truck bomb outside its gate on September 20, killing at least 60 people, including The Czech Ambassador to Pakistan, and injuring over 350.

Instead of bemoaning his loss, Hashwani, described as the richest man in Pakistan, personally oversaw the rescue operations and assured the welfare of families of those killed or injured.

“I am not worried about the hotel, but I am only anxious for the lives of the people,” he said.

In an exclusive telephonic interview with Chetan Upadhyaya, journalist and secretary of the Satya Foundation, Hashwani recalls that fateful day, and bemoans the fact that a “few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society,” in Pakistan as well as in India.

Given a chance, he says, “I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.”

Excerpts:

What was going on in your mind on that fateful day when your hotel was in flames?

I was not worried at all about the monetary losses. Money comes and goes and losses can always be made good, but life can not be brought back. I was very shocked to see the human blood all around. I felt very sad that there has been so much loss of human lives and also the humanity.

Big bang: Suicide bomb guts Marriott hotel in Islamabad

Thirty of our employees sacrificed their lives in this blast. And just imagine the sense of loss of grief in the families of those innocent people who died in this incident. After all, what was their fault? This is unfortunate that this kind of bloodshed is going on in both India and Pakistan. But I must salute our brave security guards who stopped the vehicle loaded with the explosives, otherwise the loss could have been much more.

I would like to put it on record that taking care of the families of all those brave employees is now our responsibility. It is very unfortunate that just few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society, resulting in so much of despair and loss.

Even after such a massive destruction at your hotel, people noticed tranquility and grace on your face. To what would you give credit for this?

Only to Khuda, Only to Bhagwan! (God) because everything is by his grace only. Nothing belongs to us. Not even this body. Everything here is subject to change and is actually changing, every moment. So I always bear in my mind that we all are the passengers or travellers in this world. We are passengers today and will be so even tomorrow. And everybody has to go, sooner or later.

Everything is His and when His will is there, person does not feel any physical or economical misery. But I feel pity about the innocent persons who get killed for the pleasure of few destructive minds. So many people losing their lives due to terrorism throughout the world. After all, they all are human beings having the same spirit, made by the same God. After all, we all are children of the same God. And this type of death and warfare is not in the interest of anyone.

And when you say that there was tranquility on my face even amidst so much of bloodshed and chaos, you are hundred percent right, because I never fear for my life. The thought of death never scares me.

Pakistan: The Marriot Message

We will never allow the terrorists to succeed in their mission and with God’s will and blessings, this hotel shall be operational again within three months from now. At the same time, I promise that all those bereaved families will never feel the loss of guardian or the lack of support system to sustain their livelihood. We will support all those yateem (fatherless) daughters till they are educated and married. We will support and care for all those distressed children as our very own.

Though India and Pakistan were separated 61 years ago, there is a deep emotional bond between the people. What is your opinion?

Even I feel the same. Our rooh (soul) is made only by the God. The same rooh is inside me and inside you. It was decided by Him who will take birth in which family and city, but actually there is no difference amongst us. No religion preaches hatred or war. Tell me the name of a religion which asks people to be ruthless and kill the children and other innocent people. All religions ask us to be peaceful and loving. We all are made up of the same five elements. Every person must think about the origin and destination of this soul.

Why terrorists can relax in India

As for the compatibility between the two countries, there can be no doubt about that. I personally feel very much drawn to India. Just a few days ago, I visited Ajmer to offer my prayers. And let me tell you, as and when the time comes, I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.

What message would you like to give to our readers?

I have just one message: If the God has sent us to this earth, there is a noble purpose behind his wish. This gift of life is invaluable and it is a sin to destroy it. I have only one prayer: Let peace, peace, and only peace prevail all around.

Sadruddin Hashwani is Chairman of the Hashoo Group, one of Pakistan’s largest Industrial groups, with extensive interests in tourism, travel, real estate development, pharmaceuticals, IT, and oil and gas sectors.

He is also the owner of the five-star Islamabad Marriot, which was reduced to rubble when a suicide bomber exploded a massive truck bomb outside its gate on September 20, killing at least 60 people, including The Czech Ambassador to Pakistan, and injuring over 350.

Instead of bemoaning his loss, Hashwani, described as the richest man in Pakistan, personally oversaw the rescue operations and assured the welfare of families of those killed or injured.

“I am not worried about the hotel, but I am only anxious for the lives of the people,” he said.

In an exclusive telephonic interview with Chetan Upadhyaya, journalist and secretary of the Satya Foundation, Hashwani recalls that fateful day, and bemoans the fact that a “few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society,” in Pakistan as well as in India.

Given a chance, he says, “I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.”

Excerpts:

What was going on in your mind on that fateful day when your hotel was in flames?

I was not worried at all about the monetary losses. Money comes and goes and losses can always be made good, but life can not be brought back. I was very shocked to see the human blood all around. I felt very sad that there has been so much loss of human lives and also the humanity.

Big bang: Suicide bomb guts Marriott hotel in Islamabad

Thirty of our employees sacrificed their lives in this blast. And just imagine the sense of loss of grief in the families of those innocent people who died in this incident. After all, what was their fault? This is unfortunate that this kind of bloodshed is going on in both India and Pakistan. But I must salute our brave security guards who stopped the vehicle loaded with the explosives, otherwise the loss could have been much more.

I would like to put it on record that taking care of the families of all those brave employees is now our responsibility. It is very unfortunate that just few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society, resulting in so much of despair and loss.

Even after such a massive destruction at your hotel, people noticed tranquility and grace on your face. To what would you give credit for this?

Only to Khuda, Only to Bhagwan! (God) because everything is by his grace only. Nothing belongs to us. Not even this body. Everything here is subject to change and is actually changing, every moment. So I always bear in my mind that we all are the passengers or travellers in this world. We are passengers today and will be so even tomorrow. And everybody has to go, sooner or later.

Everything is His and when His will is there, person does not feel any physical or economical misery. But I feel pity about the innocent persons who get killed for the pleasure of few destructive minds. So many people losing their lives due to terrorism throughout the world. After all, they all are human beings having the same spirit, made by the same God. After all, we all are children of the same God. And this type of death and warfare is not in the interest of anyone.

And when you say that there was tranquility on my face even amidst so much of bloodshed and chaos, you are hundred percent right, because I never fear for my life. The thought of death never scares me.

Pakistan: The Marriot Message

We will never allow the terrorists to succeed in their mission and with God’s will and blessings, this hotel shall be operational again within three months from now. At the same time, I promise that all those bereaved families will never feel the loss of guardian or the lack of support system to sustain their livelihood. We will support all those yateem (fatherless) daughters till they are educated and married. We will support and care for all those distressed children as our very own.

Though India and Pakistan were separated 61 years ago, there is a deep emotional bond between the people. What is your opinion?

Even I feel the same. Our rooh (soul) is made only by the God. The same rooh is inside me and inside you. It was decided by Him who will take birth in which family and city, but actually there is no difference amongst us. No religion preaches hatred or war. Tell me the name of a religion which asks people to be ruthless and kill the children and other innocent people. All religions ask us to be peaceful and loving. We all are made up of the same five elements. Every person must think about the origin and destination of this soul.

Why terrorists can relax in India

As for the compatibility between the two countries, there can be no doubt about that. I personally feel very much drawn to India. Just a few days ago, I visited Ajmer to offer my prayers. And let me tell you, as and when the time comes, I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.

What message would you like to give to our readers?

I have just one message: If the God has sent us to this earth, there is a noble purpose behind his wish. This gift of life is invaluable and it is a sin to destroy it. I have only one prayer: Let peace, peace, and only peace prevail all around.

Sadruddin Hashwani is Chairman of the Hashoo Group, one of Pakistan’s largest Industrial groups, with extensive interests in tourism, travel, real estate development, pharmaceuticals, IT, and oil and gas sectors.

He is also the owner of the five-star Islamabad Marriot, which was reduced to rubble when a suicide bomber exploded a massive truck bomb outside its gate on September 20, killing at least 60 people, including The Czech Ambassador to Pakistan, and injuring over 350.

Instead of bemoaning his loss, Hashwani, described as the richest man in Pakistan, personally oversaw the rescue operations and assured the welfare of families of those killed or injured.

“I am not worried about the hotel, but I am only anxious for the lives of the people,” he said.

In an exclusive telephonic interview with Chetan Upadhyaya, journalist and secretary of the Satya Foundation, Hashwani recalls that fateful day, and bemoans the fact that a “few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society,” in Pakistan as well as in India.

Given a chance, he says, “I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.”

Excerpts:

What was going on in your mind on that fateful day when your hotel was in flames?

I was not worried at all about the monetary losses. Money comes and goes and losses can always be made good, but life can not be brought back. I was very shocked to see the human blood all around. I felt very sad that there has been so much loss of human lives and also the humanity.

Big bang: Suicide bomb guts Marriott hotel in Islamabad

Thirty of our employees sacrificed their lives in this blast. And just imagine the sense of loss of grief in the families of those innocent people who died in this incident. After all, what was their fault? This is unfortunate that this kind of bloodshed is going on in both India and Pakistan. But I must salute our brave security guards who stopped the vehicle loaded with the explosives, otherwise the loss could have been much more.

I would like to put it on record that taking care of the families of all those brave employees is now our responsibility. It is very unfortunate that just few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society, resulting in so much of despair and loss.

Even after such a massive destruction at your hotel, people noticed tranquility and grace on your face. To what would you give credit for this?

Only to Khuda, Only to Bhagwan! (God) because everything is by his grace only. Nothing belongs to us. Not even this body. Everything here is subject to change and is actually changing, every moment. So I always bear in my mind that we all are the passengers or travellers in this world. We are passengers today and will be so even tomorrow. And everybody has to go, sooner or later.

Everything is His and when His will is there, person does not feel any physical or economical misery. But I feel pity about the innocent persons who get killed for the pleasure of few destructive minds. So many people losing their lives due to terrorism throughout the world. After all, they all are human beings having the same spirit, made by the same God. After all, we all are children of the same God. And this type of death and warfare is not in the interest of anyone.

And when you say that there was tranquility on my face even amidst so much of bloodshed and chaos, you are hundred percent right, because I never fear for my life. The thought of death never scares me.

Pakistan: The Marriot Message

We will never allow the terrorists to succeed in their mission and with God’s will and blessings, this hotel shall be operational again within three months from now. At the same time, I promise that all those bereaved families will never feel the loss of guardian or the lack of support system to sustain their livelihood. We will support all those yateem (fatherless) daughters till they are educated and married. We will support and care for all those distressed children as our very own.

Though India and Pakistan were separated 61 years ago, there is a deep emotional bond between the people. What is your opinion?

Even I feel the same. Our rooh (soul) is made only by the God. The same rooh is inside me and inside you. It was decided by Him who will take birth in which family and city, but actually there is no difference amongst us. No religion preaches hatred or war. Tell me the name of a religion which asks people to be ruthless and kill the children and other innocent people. All religions ask us to be peaceful and loving. We all are made up of the same five elements. Every person must think about the origin and destination of this soul.

Why terrorists can relax in India

As for the compatibility between the two countries, there can be no doubt about that. I personally feel very much drawn to India. Just a few days ago, I visited Ajmer to offer my prayers. And let me tell you, as and when the time comes, I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.

What message would you like to give to our readers?

I have just one message: If the God has sent us to this earth, there is a noble purpose behind his wish. This gift of life is invaluable and it is a sin to destroy it. I have only one prayer: Let peace, peace, and only peace prevail all around.

Sadruddin Hashwani is Chairman of the Hashoo Group, one of Pakistan’s largest Industrial groups, with extensive interests in tourism, travel, real estate development, pharmaceuticals, IT, and oil and gas sectors.

He is also the owner of the five-star Islamabad Marriot, which was reduced to rubble when a suicide bomber exploded a massive truck bomb outside its gate on September 20, killing at least 60 people, including The Czech Ambassador to Pakistan, and injuring over 350.

Instead of bemoaning his loss, Hashwani, described as the richest man in Pakistan, personally oversaw the rescue operations and assured the welfare of families of those killed or injured.

“I am not worried about the hotel, but I am only anxious for the lives of the people,” he said.

In an exclusive telephonic interview with Chetan Upadhyaya, journalist and secretary of the Satya Foundation, Hashwani recalls that fateful day, and bemoans the fact that a “few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society,” in Pakistan as well as in India.

Given a chance, he says, “I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.”

Excerpts:

What was going on in your mind on that fateful day when your hotel was in flames?

I was not worried at all about the monetary losses. Money comes and goes and losses can always be made good, but life can not be brought back. I was very shocked to see the human blood all around. I felt very sad that there has been so much loss of human lives and also the humanity.

Big bang: Suicide bomb guts Marriott hotel in Islamabad

Thirty of our employees sacrificed their lives in this blast. And just imagine the sense of loss of grief in the families of those innocent people who died in this incident. After all, what was their fault? This is unfortunate that this kind of bloodshed is going on in both India and Pakistan. But I must salute our brave security guards who stopped the vehicle loaded with the explosives, otherwise the loss could have been much more.

I would like to put it on record that taking care of the families of all those brave employees is now our responsibility. It is very unfortunate that just few terrorists are destroying the whole fabric of the society, resulting in so much of despair and loss.

Even after such a massive destruction at your hotel, people noticed tranquility and grace on your face. To what would you give credit for this?

Only to Khuda, Only to Bhagwan! (God) because everything is by his grace only. Nothing belongs to us. Not even this body. Everything here is subject to change and is actually changing, every moment. So I always bear in my mind that we all are the passengers or travellers in this world. We are passengers today and will be so even tomorrow. And everybody has to go, sooner or later.

Everything is His and when His will is there, person does not feel any physical or economical misery. But I feel pity about the innocent persons who get killed for the pleasure of few destructive minds. So many people losing their lives due to terrorism throughout the world. After all, they all are human beings having the same spirit, made by the same God. After all, we all are children of the same God. And this type of death and warfare is not in the interest of anyone.

And when you say that there was tranquility on my face even amidst so much of bloodshed and chaos, you are hundred percent right, because I never fear for my life. The thought of death never scares me.

Pakistan: The Marriot Message

We will never allow the terrorists to succeed in their mission and with God’s will and blessings, this hotel shall be operational again within three months from now. At the same time, I promise that all those bereaved families will never feel the loss of guardian or the lack of support system to sustain their livelihood. We will support all those yateem (fatherless) daughters till they are educated and married. We will support and care for all those distressed children as our very own.

Though India and Pakistan were separated 61 years ago, there is a deep emotional bond between the people. What is your opinion?

Even I feel the same. Our rooh (soul) is made only by the God. The same rooh is inside me and inside you. It was decided by Him who will take birth in which family and city, but actually there is no difference amongst us. No religion preaches hatred or war. Tell me the name of a religion which asks people to be ruthless and kill the children and other innocent people. All religions ask us to be peaceful and loving. We all are made up of the same five elements. Every person must think about the origin and destination of this soul.

Why terrorists can relax in India

As for the compatibility between the two countries, there can be no doubt about that. I personally feel very much drawn to India. Just a few days ago, I visited Ajmer to offer my prayers. And let me tell you, as and when the time comes, I would love to visit Banaras (Varanasi) and ‘feel’ the pulse of the religious capital of Hindus, which is also called the city of Lord Shiva.

What message would you like to give to our readers?

I have just one message: If the God has sent us to this earth, there is a noble purpose behind his wish. This gift of life is invaluable and it is a sin to destroy it. I have only one prayer: Let peace, peace, and only peace prevail all around.