By Rana Azeem
Riyadh: An inspiring success story has emerged of two friends who transformed a simple homemade taste into an international food brand, “Bannu Pulao.”
This is the story of Abdul Jabbar and Hashim Kiani, who turned their vision into reality. Abdul Jabbar, born in Dubai, and Hashim Kiani, from the United Kingdom, once traveled to Pakistan. During their visit to Bannu, a traditional gathering at Abdul Jabbar’s home introduced authentic Pakistani cuisine that deeply impressed Hashim.
Inspired by the experience, the two friends decided to convert this unique homemade taste into a business. Thus, “Bannu Pulao” was established, quickly gaining popularity across Pakistan, where it now operates around 22 branches.
Continuing their journey, the duo expanded to Saudi Arabia. After completing all legal requirements between 2024 and 2025, they launched their first branch in Riyadh in 2025. The outlet has received an overwhelming response from a diverse customer base, including Saudis, Arabs, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis.
Abdul Jabbar and Hashim Kiani said:
“We started this journey with a simple homemade dish in Bannu, and today, Alhamdulillah, we have become a successful brand. Riyadh is our first branch here, and we plan to expand to other cities in Saudi Arabia soon.”
They further revealed plans to introduce the brand in the United Kingdom, aiming to take Pakistani flavors to a global audience.
In addition to Bannu Pulao, they have introduced a variety of Pakistani dishes in Saudi Arabia, including traditional karahi, mutton rosh, BBQ special naan and roti, and white semolina halwa. These items have also been well received by customers.
This story is a strong example of how passion, dedication, and a powerful idea can transform a small dream into global success.
