Islamabad
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday inaugurated a four-day exhibition ‘The Dying Crafts’ at the Centaurus Shopping Mall to promote the heritage of dying crafts and encourage master artisans to continue practicing these important skills and pass them on to future generations.
Ambassador of Tajikistan Yusuf Sharifzoda, High Commissioner of the Maldives Mohamed Thoha, Sardar President the Centaurus Group, Dr. Rashid Ilyas Khan, CEO The Centaurus Group, President IDA, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan were among those who attended the event and took keen interest in the works of art put on display.
The exhibition focused on endangered crafts such as block making from Sindh, flassy (floor rug) weaving, Khes making, block printing, pottery and clay crafts, Khaddar weaving, truck art, shawl weaving, zari work, motikari, beadwork, crochet work (Qureshia), Pasham work, Hazara Phulkari, Kashida Kari and traditional carpet weaving. Other endangered crafts on display included various types of embroidery, such as Multani, Bahawalpuri, Hazara, Swati, Balochi, and Sindhi embroidery.
Governor KP appreciated the Centaurus Mall’s efforts for preserving Pakistan’s traditions by showcasing dying crafts to the public, recognizing the artisans’ skills and promoting their work.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan while expressing gratitude to the guests emphasized that the crafts showcased at the exhibition were an integral part of Pakistan’s historical and cultural heritage.
Many of these traditional arts and skills are centuries old, passed down through generations. Hosting such exhibitions helps raise awareness about the richness and diversity of Pakistan’s cultural legacy.
Such exhibitions also provide a platform to promote folk arts, crafts and skills from various regions of Pakistan, fostering provincial harmony and national integration by highlighting the country’s cultural diversity.
Sardar Rashid Ilyas Khan speaking at the exhibition said the event provides a platform to encourage master artisans to continue practicing and passing on their skills.
It acknowledges their contributions and supports their livelihoods. He also emphasized that the government should engage master artisans to train a new generation of craftspeople, which will help revive dying crafts and ensure their survival in the long run.
The Crafts Exhibition is crucial for preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage, supporting master artisans, training future generations, promoting economic welfare, and fostering provincial harmony. Concrete steps must be taken to revive endangered crafts and ensure their survival.
