ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's legendary handmade carpet industry, once a global hallmark of excellence and a major foreign exchange earner, is teetering on the brink of collapse, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive government patronage.
Industry stakeholders have sounded the alarm, revealing that the sector is grappling with an existential crisis fueled by rising production costs, dwindling international demand, and fierce competition from machine-made alternatives. The very survival of this centuries-old craft, which employs millions of skilled artisans across the country, is now at stake.
A Plea for Survival and Revival
Key players within the industry are presenting a multi-pronged rescue plan to relevant ministries. Their demands are not just about temporary relief but about securing a sustainable future for this cultural and economic asset.
The proposed survival package includes:
- Financial Subsidies: Immediate relief on the soaring costs of raw materials like wool, silk, and cotton.
- Export Incentives: Enhanced rebates and tax breaks to make Pakistani carpets more competitive in the global market.
- International Marketing: Government-backed participation in prestigious international trade fairs and exhibitions to rebuild the 'Made in Pakistan' brand.
- Skill Preservation: Initiatives to train a new generation of weavers and prevent the loss of intricate, traditional designs and techniques.
The Stakes: More Than Just Business
The decline of the handmade carpet industry threatens far more than export figures. It represents the potential erosion of a rich cultural heritage passed down through generations, particularly in regions like Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For countless rural families, carpet weaving is not merely a profession but a way of life and a primary source of livelihood.
'We are not just losing an industry; we are losing a piece of our soul,' laments a veteran exporter from Lahore. 'Each carpet tells a story, and we are on the verge of silencing those looms forever.'
Industry experts argue that with strategic government intervention, Pakistan can reclaim its status as a world leader in handmade carpets, boosting exports, preserving cultural identity, and securing the economic future of its artisans.
