‘Dying crafts exhibition’ begins

Islamabad:The four-day ‘Dying Crafts Exhibition’ started, which will run from September 9 to 12, at The Centaurus Mall here, aims to promote the heritage of dying crafts and encourage master artisans associated with them to continue practicing these important skills and pass them on to future generations.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Faisal Karim Kundi (governor of KP), the ambassador of Tajikistan Yusuf Sharifzoda, The High Commissioner of the Maldives Uz. Mohamed Thoha, Sardar Dr. Rashid Ilyas Khan (President the Centaurus Group), Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan (CEO The Centaurus Group, President IDA), Sami Ibrahim (Event Organiser) along with other distinguished guests.

The exhibition focused on endangered crafts such as block making from Sindh, 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.

The distinguished chief guests appreciated the Centaurus efforts in preserving Pakistan's traditions by showcasing dying crafts to the public, recognising the artisans' skills and promoting their work.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan emphasised that the crafts showcased at the exhibition are 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. These 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.