Collectibles by Sonraj Pakistan’s first female watchmaker makes history

ISLAMABAD: Collectibles by Sonraj, a leading Pakistani watch and jewelry brand, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by training and inducting Pakistan’s first professional female watchmaker, Saira Akram. This pioneering achievement marks a significant step towards revitalizing Pakistan’s watchmaking industry and inspiring young individuals to explore unconventional career paths. Sonraj, with over five decades of expertise, has been an exclusive partner of renowned luxury brands such as Omega, Hublot, and Chopard. In 1967, the company collaborated with the Swiss Horology Federation to establish the Pak-Swiss Horological Training Center, offering a world-class associate diploma in watchmaking. Although the institute closed in 2022 due to economic challenges, Sonraj’s service center, established in 1976, continues to train highly skilled individuals. Under CEO Rameez Sattar’s leadership, Collectibles aims to revive Pakistan’s watchmaking heritage by nurturing local talent. Sattar emphasized, “Watchmaking has always been my passion, but the industry in Pakistan has nearly disappeared. We aim to create employment opportunities and reclaim our proud heritage.” Saira Akram, the trailblazing watchmaker, expressed her gratitude to Collectibles for the opportunity. “Watchmaking is a challenging yet prestigious field. I’m thrilled to break barriers and set new precedents.” Renowned banker and HBL Chairman Sultan Ali Allana praised Saira’s achievement, saying, “This initiative will open doors for women in Pakistan to follow the rich tradition of horology.” Collectibles operates outlets in major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, and Faisalabad, alongside a well-equipped training center in Karachi. The company plans to expand its after-sales and training services nationwide. Rameez Sattar stressed, “Pakistan was once Asia’s watchmaking hub. With renewed commitment, we can recapture this opportunity and put Pakistan back on the global watchmaking map.” This milestone marks a significant step towards empowering women in Pakistan’s watchmaking industry and revitalizing the country’s rich horological heritage.