Our Story
From a modest workshop in Jhelum to the Official Cabinet Makers of the President of Pakistan — over 150 years of craftsmanship, legacy, and living heritage.
Our Heritage Story
Over 150 years of craftsmanship, trust, and legacy — told through the chapters that shaped M. Hayat & Co.
The History of M. Hayat & Co.
The history of M. Hayat & Co. began in 1870, when Mohammad Hayat established the business in Jhelum. After an initial period of growth, the workshop was moved to a larger setup in Gujrat. As the family sought to expand their craft across undivided India, Mohammad Hayat and his three brothers decided to establish their presence in different regions.
One of the brothers, Mian Ghulam Rasool, settled in Rawalpindi, founding the workshop that would eventually become the modern M. Hayat & Co.
A New Chapter of Expansion
In the 1940s, the business entered a new chapter when Ghulam Rasool brought in Mohammad Ashraf into the business. Over the years, M. Ashraf became an essential part of both the family and the business, bringing in new ideas, designs, and establishing a new clientele. As Ghulam Rasool grew older, he entrusted M. Ashraf with increasing responsibility, eventually handing over the leadership of the firm.
Under M. Ashraf's management, the business expanded significantly, leading to the establishment of the factory and showroom at 60 Edwardes Road — known today as Bank Road — in the heart of Rawalpindi.
A Reputation Built on Trust
As a garrison town for both the British and Pakistani armies, Rawalpindi was home to a constant rotation of officers. M. Hayat & Co. supported this community by offering furniture on rent for the duration of their postings, a practice that built a lasting rapport with the military.
This reputation for reliability and quality eventually led to the firm being appointed as the "Official Cabinet Makers" for General Douglas Gracey, Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army in 1950.
Serving the Nation's Capital
The 1960s brought another pivotal shift as the construction of Islamabad drew government officials and foreign dignitaries to the Twin Cities. M. Hayat & Co. became the choice for many embassy residences and offices, providing furniture that met the standards of the growing diplomatic community.
This era of service culminated in the 1980s, when the firm was designated as the "Official Cabinet Makers" for the President of Pakistan in 1981.
A Living Heritage
In the 1990s, the business was inherited by M. Ashraf's sons, Sohail and Salman, who continued the family's work on Bank Road. After decades in the Saddar area, the business transitioned to its current form in the 2000s.
Today, Salman Ashraf and his wife, Sobia Salman, manage M. Hayat & Co., bringing new ideas to the classic Victorian and French designs that have defined the family's craftsmanship for over 150 years.
Our Craftsmanship
Every Piece Tells a Story
Wood Selection
We handpick only the finest seasoned hardwoods — teak, walnut, and mahogany — sourced from sustainable forests. Each plank is inspected for grain, density, and durability.
Hand Carving
Our master carvers transform raw wood into intricate masterpieces. Using chisels and gouges unchanged since 1870, they sculpt floral motifs, geometric patterns, and ornate reliefs.
Assembly & Joinery
We employ traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques — the same methods used by our founding craftsmen. No nails or staples; only precision-fit wooden joints built to endure generations.
Polishing & Finish
Each piece undergoes multiple rounds of hand-sanding, staining, and lacquering. Our signature deep-brown polish is applied in up to twelve coats, revealing the wood's natural beauty.
Quality Inspection
Before leaving our workshop, every piece faces a rigorous quality inspection by our senior artisans. Only furniture meeting our 150-year-old standards of excellence earns the M. Hayat & Co. mark.
"We don't make furniture. We create heirlooms that your grandchildren will cherish."
— M. Hayat & Co., Est. 1870
Trusted by Generations
"M. Hayat & Co. crafted our entire home’s furniture and it transformed every room into a palace. The attention to detail in each carved piece is extraordinary. Three generations of my family have trusted this brand, and the quality only gets better."
Ahmed Al-Rashid
Homeowner, Lahore
Get in Touch
Ready to furnish your home with a piece of history? Reach out to our team and we'll guide you through our collections or create a custom design just for you.
0333 5281400
Phone
0333 5281400
Visit Us
M.Hayat & Co. Near Chaye Khana, Bahria Phase 7, Rawalpindi
Business Hours
Mon–Sat: 9AM – 8PM