Who We Are

The Boy, The Bees, and a New Beginning
In the year 1980, the world arrived in Bajaur Agency, bringing with it a unique gift for Afghan refugees: boxes of honeybees. At just ten years old, a young boy from Bajaur named Sheikh Gul Badshah watched as the UNHCR distributed these European honeybees. He was already a small-scale beekeeper, familiar with the native Apis cerana species. "I'm already raising these bees," he thought to himself. "Why not try the European ones too?" With that simple decision, his life's journey began.
From a few humble boxes, he dove into the world of beekeeping, mastering the craft over the next 37 years. His dedication and expertise soon made him a sought-after trainer and expert, working with NGOs and government agencies across the region.

From Local Beekeeper to Honey Mogul

• In 2008, when Pakistan's honey industry took flight, Sheikh Gul Badshah was ready. He opened the Bajaur Honey Centre in Peshawar's bustling Pak International Honey Market. His business quickly grew beyond local sales, and soon his pure honey was being exported to countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other nations in the Middle East.
  His influence didn't stop there. He became a prominent figure in the industry, taking on leadership roles within the All Pakistan Beekeepers, Exporters and Honey Traders Association. Today, he serves as its Senior Vice President and is the Vice Chairman of the Honey Standing Committee at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A Sweet Pivot in the Face of a Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, international exports collapsed, hitting his business hard. But Sheikh Gul Badshah saw an opportunity where others saw an end. He decided to go digital, sharing a simple YouTube video where he announced that he would deliver pure, high-quality honey directly to people's doorsteps across Pakistan.
The response was overwhelming. In just four weeks, his entire export stock was completely sold out. This quick pivot not only saved his business but transformed it.
Today, through his brand Bajaur Honey Foods, he continues to provide pure and natural products to customers throughout Pakistan. Sheikh Gul Badshah's story is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about hard work; it's also about a willingness to adapt, to innovate, and to find new ways to connect with people, no matter the circumstances.