Flashman's Hotel Explained

Hotel Name:Flashman's Hotel
Location:Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Address:The Mall, Rawalpindi
Coordinates:33.5919°N 73.0536°W
Mapframe-Marker:lodging
Opening Date:1888
Developer:Charles Thomas Flashman
Operator:Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation
Owner:Associated Hotels of India (1917–1965)
West Pakistan Enemy Property Board
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (1976–present)

Flashman's Hotel is a historic hotel situated on The Mall in Rawalpindi.

History

Flashman's Hotel was founded in 1888 by Charles Thomas Flashman.[1] [2]

In 1917, the ownership of the property was transferred to the Associated Hotels of India, led by Mohan Singh Oberoi.[1]

By 1961, after the partition, it was managed by the Associated Hotels of Pakistan.[1] This venture also included Faletti's Hotel, Cecil Hotel, and Deans Hotel and involved stakeholders such as Associated Hotels of India and Oberoi Hotels.[1]

Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the Pakistani government designated properties of the Associated Hotels of Pakistan as enemy assets.[1] These properties were subsequently overseen by the West Pakistan Enemy Property Board.[1]

In 1976, the governance of Flashman's, along with Faletti's, Cecil, and Deans, was transferred to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC).[1]

As of 1999, Flashman's remained under PTDC, while the other hotels were privatized.[1]

Guests

Historically, the hotel was frequented by personnel from the British Army's Northern Command.[1] It also hosted several notable leaders, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.[1] [3] It was also the location for cabinet meetings during President Ayub Khan's term.[1]

Architecture

Flashman's Hotel occupies a 9.34-acre plot designated as Khasra No. 17 to 22.[1] The hotel's building reflects a British barracks-style design, evident in its interior woodwork.[1]

The single-story building is divided into a main hall section and another section with 73 family suites and executive lodges.[1] The design incorporates elements from both Indian and English architectural traditions, and there is a pool area adjacent to the family suites.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The history of Rawalpindi's first luxury hotel. Aamir. Yasin. June 10, 2018. DAWN.COM.
  2. Web site: Historical Flashman's Hotel to get makeover. June 22, 2021. The Express Tribune.
  3. Web site: راولپنڈی میں قائد اعظم کی قیام گاہ فلیش مینز ہوٹل خطرے میں. June 18, 2021. Independent Urdu.