Representative around 80 of the to fortune 500 companies
1980 - 1991
1980 - 1991
Representative around 80 of the to fortune 500 companies
Beginning of the businessman
Sajad’s transition into the commercial sector was facilitated by his friends, the Gokals, who were prominent shipping magnates. Mustafa Gokal, then Zia-ul-Haq’s shipping minister, suggested that Sajad enter the defence business. Sajad initially resisted, famously stating he only knew "how to spell business" but had no idea what it actually was, even stating that, “I did not know what an LC (Letter of Credit) was.”
“They told me I didn’t have the experience. They were right — but I had intent.”
Sajad travelled to the US and was given a single opportunity: a 30-day trial contract with AM General. With no formal business background, he learned procurement, pricing, and negotiation on the job. By undercutting existing government-to-government deals and delivering real savings, he earned the confidence of senior military leadership, which earned him more deals as the years progressed.
Cormorant
Cormorant was the name of the company Sajad founded, named after the bird that can fly (representing the Air Force), live on land (the Army), and go underwater (the Navy).
The business operated for a little over a decade, from 1980 to 1991. Initially financed by the Gokals, Sajad sought complete independence and achieved it in 1983 by paying them back ten times their original investment. At its peak, Cormorant represented 80 of the top Fortune 100 defence companies in the world. Major deals included selling AM General vehicles to the Army, providing Gulfstream aircraft to the Survey General of Pakistan for aerial mapping, supplying Litton Industries with night vision and setting up a major ammunition plant in Wah. While Sajad dealt in military equipment, he never dealt directly in guns and arms.
Sajad maintained a strict code of ethics, refusing to do "one cent of business" with the Air Force because he would not leverage his former position or ask for favours from officers who had served under him. In 1989, a businessman with ties to the military demanded a 10% kickback on a contract, and Sajad responded by kicking his desk, telling him he did not want the contract, and walking out. “I refused kickbacks. That door closed. Another opened.” This encounter with systemic corruption led Sajad to shut down the company in 1990. He had no doubts about this decision, as he said, “Allah completes the circle. You only need to keep walking.” Sajad Haider had "no greed"; once he had earned enough to buy a roof for his parents, his sister, and his own children, he chose to retire with his honour intact rather than compromise his integrity.
Memorabilia
Recognition and Achievements
