About the Author(s)
Isra Arshad is an undergraduate student pursuing a BS in business administration at Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, Rawalpindi.
Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage, with cultural crafts playing a vital role in its history and identity. Culture plays an important role in a country’s identity. However, with the advent of modern technology and globalization, many of these cultural crafts were on the verge of extinction.
There are many cultural crafts in Pakistan. Some of them are Pottery, Woodwork, Handicrafts, Peshawari chappal, Handwoven rugs, Embroidery, Ajrak printing, Phulkari, Rilli (patchwork quilts), Hand-painted ceramics, Handmade paper, Paper Mache, Carpet weaving, Embroidered footwear (khussa), Handloom weaving, Block painting, Cross-stitch, Miniature, Camel lamps (ornate lamp made from camel skin), Leatherwork, Metalwork, Jewelry and Marble Inlay, Pashmina (luxurious shawls made from lamb wool).
The Decline of Cultural Crafts
The decline in cultural crafts in Pakistan can be attributed to several factors, including Industrialization and mass production, Lack of infrastructure and support of artisans, Limited marketing access, Globalization and modernization threatening cultural heritage, Insufficient government funding, Limited training and education, Lack of sponsorship, Fading interest among young generations to learn cultural crafts, Shift from cultural to modern and trendy products, Increased demand for fast-paced, affordable and convenient goods, Urbanization led to decreased demand for cultural crafts, Lack of innovation, Competition from Machine-Made products and Aging artisans.
Efforts to Revive Cultural Crafts
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to revive and preserve Pakistan’s cultural crafts. To counter this decline, various organizations, government institutions, and individuals have launched initiatives to revive cultural crafts in Pakistan. Some notable efforts include Craft Revival Organizations like the Pakistan Craft Council and the National Craft Council, which have launched programs to train artisans, provide infrastructure, and promote traditional crafts. Initiatives like the Pakistan Artisans Network and the Craftmark Certification support artisans and ensure that they receive fair prices for their work, as well as provide market access to them. Cultural Festivals and events like the Lahore Crafts Festival, Karachi Crafts Festival, Islamabad Crafts Festival, Pakistan Fashion Week, Crafts Mela, Lahore Biennale, and Karachi Literary Festival showcase traditional crafts, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.
Digital Platforms are also key initiatives to revive cultural crafts. Online marketplaces and social media platforms connect artisans directly with consumers, increasing visibility and sales. Some initiatives, like Magpie Crafts and Mediocre by Mahrukh, focus on eco-friendly products, such as recycled paper notebooks and sustainable fabric bags. These efforts not only promote environmental sustainability but also provide a platform for artisans to showcase their skills. Tinku & Co., this nonprofit startup launched in 2020, works with women from Gilgit Baltistan to create handmade products, such as dolls, decorative pencils, and embroidery. APWA Crafts Lahore: Established in the 1950s, this organization showcases and sells traditional crafts across Pakistan, including carpets, ceramics, and textiles. The platform She Works was founded by Samina Mahmud, and this social enterprise aims to preserve and promote traditional embroidery skills in southern Punjab and Sindh. Vceela: This online platform connects Pakistani artisans with local and international markets, promoting their handmade crafts and providing skill development and access to capital. Kaarvan Crafts Foundation: this nonprofit organization has trained and empowered over 25,000 women artisans in villages across Pakistan, promoting their crafts and providing economic opportunities. Aga Khan Trust for Culture, also known as AKTC, restores and promotes cultural heritage sites, including craft revival.
Some critical initiatives for the revival of cultural crafts are as follows. A study on preserving cultural heritage embodied in traditional crafts in Pakistan highlights the importance of sustaining traditional craftsmanship and ensuring the continuous transmission of craft skills from generation to generation. The work of Sufi artist Sadequain has contributed significantly to the revival of Islamic calligraphy in Pakistan, showcasing the beauty and importance of this traditional craft. Various organizations and initiatives are working to promote Pakistan’s traditional crafts, including handicrafts, textiles, and pottery, to preserve the country’s cultural heritage and support local artisans. These initiatives demonstrate the commitment to maintaining Pakistan’s cultural crafts and ensuring their continuation for future generations.
Some Notable Organizations, such as the Pakistan Craft Council (PCC), Craft Revival Trust (CRT), Anjuman-e-Farogh-e-Saqafat, Pakistan Handicrafts Association (PHA), National College of Arts (NCA), and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), play an important role in the revival of cultural crafts in Pakistan.
There are many Benefits of the Revival of cultural crafts, but some of them are the preservation of cultural heritage, economic empowerment of artisans, job creation, promotion Pakistani culture globally, sustainable development, reconnecting communities with their cultural past, skill development, cultural diplomacy, national identity, economic growth, developing tourism and cultural exchange programs, empowering rural communities, artisan’s income increased through revived demand and market access, fosters a sense of pride in Pakistan’s cultural identity
Some Success Stories of cultural crafts of Pakistan are given below:
Ajrak printing is an ancient printing technique from Sindh that has been revived, with artisans adapting traditional designs to modern products. Amna Kardar’s brand, famous for its handmade jewelry, textiles, and home décor, gained international recognition, collaborating with designers like Oscar de la Renta. Zarmina Khan’s handicrafts were showcased in her embroidered clothing, accessories, and home textiles at international trade fairs, securing orders from global buyers. Hunza Handicrafts, a cooperative, promoted traditional crafts like embroidery and carpentry. Training programs and market access improved artisan’s livelihood. Lahore’s Wazir Khan Mosque tile work, known as “Kashi” or “Qanashi,” is an exquisite example of Mughal craftsmanship. The ancient city of Multan’s pottery has been revitalized, with artisans creating stunning ceramic pieces.
Conclusions
The revival of traditional crafts in Pakistan is a testament to the country’s rich heritage and resilience. By preserving cultural heritage and empowering communities, Pakistan can promote cultural diversity, develop tourism and cultural exchange programs, create unique and authentic products, contribute to sustainable economic growth, economically empower artisans and communities, showcase its vibrant cultural diversity to the world, preserve cultural identity, provide livelihoods for artisans, ensure the continuation of ancient culture and contribution to national identity and pride.
The revival of cultural crafts in Pakistan is a journey, not a destination. Continued efforts will ensure the preservation of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage for generations.