LAHORE – Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Chairperson (Women Wing) Ayesha Farooqui said on Saturday that handicrafts of South Punjab and Balochistan have immense potential to create employment opportunities, especially for rural women, therefore the government should enhance support to handicraft sector enabling the artisans access local and international markets. Talking to media here, Farooqui mentioned that traditional crafts are widely produced across both the provinces and are already popular nationwide. With increased government support, these crafts could become a significant source of income for local women. She urged the government to actively promote handicrafts from underserved rural and semi-urban areas by organizing exhibitions, trade fairs, and craft bazaars both domestically and abroad. These efforts, she said, would help open up markets and showcase the country’s cultural diversity. Farooqui also stressed the need for skill development and capacity building of the artisans, besides implementing a value addition strategy to improve handicrafts quality. She suggested that provincial governments establish permanent handicraft stalls to boost revenue and generate employment. This would also help connect people from different regions with Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
“The government should provide domestic skills assessment opportunities and support local communities involved in the handicraft and trade sectors,” she added.
Ayesha Farooqui noted that while Pakistan boasts a rich history, culture, and exceptional craftsmanship, it struggles to access international markets. “We need to reassess our approach to global promotion by increasing awareness through exhibitions and leveraging digital platforms like e-marketing,” she said.
She concluded, the handicrafts sector’s promotion is not only vital for women’s economic empowerment but also plays a key role in preserving and innovating Pakistan’s traditions and culture.
