The group was founded by Mrs. M. Shafi Baghpatee (late) who started the commercial activities of the group in 1956 from Lahore (Pakistan). The group sponsored kopak shipping company in 1992, one year after the government of Pakistan deregulated shipping industry in 1991 and allowed the private sector to own and operate ships under the national flag. Kopak's associated company messrs tristar shipping lines was the first private sector ship owning company in Pakistan and was the proud owner of the following handymax and panamax vessels between 1992-1998. " Delta Star (35,000 Dwt) " Delta Peace (72,000 Dwt) " Delta Wave (81,000 Dwt) " Delta Pride (69,000 Dwt) " Delta Freedom (15,000 Dwt) " Delta Joy (56,000 Dwt) The growing success of kopak in the early years was also recognized by the government of Pakistan and a special award and trophy was presented by the president of Pakistan to the chief executive officer of kopak Mr. Masood T. Baghpatee, whose far sighted vision and entrepreneurial skills are widely known and acknowledged in the local business community. Kopak had entered into a joint venture with messrs stx panocean in 1992 and has since then been doing business with them and has carried millions of tonnes of dry bulk cargo in collaboration with them till date.