Batala Engineering Company (BECO), established in 1932 by Chaudhry Mohammad Latif Arain in Batala, East Punjab (British India), was a pioneering Pakistani engineering company that relocated to Lahore after the Partition of India in 1947.
BECO quickly grew from a modest workshop into one of the largest and most influential engineering firms in Pakistan, known for its production of agricultural implements, diesel engines, machine tools, steelworks, and even parts for aircraft.
The company symbolized industrial and technological progress in Pakistan and was a point of national pride, employing thousands of workers and drawing international attention, including admiration from leaders like China’s Premier Chou-en-Lai, who visited in 1964 and sought to send Chinese engineers for training at BECO. By the early 1970s, BECO was on the brink of further expansion and collaboration with global firms like Japan’s Toyota Corporation for textile machinery manufacturing.
The company’s founder, CM Latif, was recognized as an industrial visionary, fostering innovation and international partnerships.
BECO’s growth mirrored Pakistan’s industrial growth during the 1950s and 1960s, with a focus on advanced machinery and steel manufacturing.
However, BECO’s trajectory dramatically changed after the nationalization policies initiated by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government on January 1, 1972.
Under the Nationalization and Economic Reforms Order, BECO, along with 30 other key industrial units, was taken over by the government, renamed Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO), and turned into a state-controlled enterprise.
This move, intended to promote social equity and industrial control by the state, resulted in the decline of BECO’s operational efficiency and financial stability.
The company’s loss of autonomy and subsequent mismanagement led to a significant drop in productivity and profitability, culminating in massive financial losses by the late 1990s.
Attempts to return the company to its original owners were discussed but never realized, as the political and economic conditions evolved with changing governments after Bhutto’s era.
Today, BECO stands as a cautionary tale of the negative impact of nationalization on private entrepreneurial ventures in Pakistan, symbolizing lost potential and the industrial decline caused by policy shifts in the 1970s.
This summary encapsulates BECO’s rise as a flagship industrial enterprise in Pakistan, its contributions to the country’s industrial landscape, the dramatic impact of its nationalization, and its legacy as a once-great industrial powerhouse now facing challenges of revival and sustainability.
At BECO Wire Harness (BECO-WH), we design and manufacture custom wiring harnesses and cable assemblies that keep tractors, road construction machinery, and other industrial equipment running reliably. Founded with a focus on quality, flexibility, and customer support, BECO-WH bridges the gap between local small-scale manufacturers and global industry standards. Whether you need a prototype for a new model or a scaled production run, our team ensures that every harness is built to perform in demanding environments.
To empower machinery manufacturers with reliable, customized wiring solutions that enhance performance,
reduce downtime, and meet international standards.
Every harness is built for long-term durability in rugged conditions.
Tailored solutions designed around your equipment’s specifications.
Compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards.
We work closely with our clients from concept to delivery.
As machinery evolves, so do wiring needs. BECO-WH is committed to expanding its technical capabilities, testing infrastructure, and global partnerships to support OEMs worldwide.
Our vision is to become a leading global supplier of specialized wire harness solutions for heavy-duty industries.
