Karachi: Crafter’s Expo at a local hotel, sponsored by Meezan Bank, Bisconni, Magnus Communications, Jazz Cash, Pakola, National Foods and Olivia attracted number of visitors including women. Crafters from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Sukkur, and Bhitshah made their mark at fair boasting over 160 participants. Exhibiting brands not only featured handmade accessories, jewelry, and art, but also included décor items, unique stationery, gifting pieces, candles, resin art and delicious foods as well.

This year, Crafter’s Expo hit differently as sentiments for local made have been serious focus for consumers across Pakistan. Event also flayed atrocities in Palestine. Theme of red and green along with symbolic watermelon across stalls were installed to create awareness and generate funds for relief aid.

Visitors appreciated handmade crafts which were not only soothing sight, but an empowering phenomena of how incredibly talented community of makers in Pakistan is and how valuable essence of this is to local economy. Several organisations working with children of special needs were given place to represent crafts by individuals, as well as organisations working with members of underprivileged communities.

SCINOSA, Ghunchey, LEHR by Karachi Down Syndrome Programme, Kiran Foundation, Al Furqan Welfare Organization as well as Parents Voice Association-Ujaala Centre participated.

Leather dude curated series of activities for Leather enthusiasts, as Toy Bricks Pakistan conducted its lego for cognitive play session. Clinic, Cast of Minds curated several activities for stress relief and art therapy under current duress witnessed with media and news. Another activity was ceramic piece activity with clay biscuits. Children had ball with craft bags by Ain as Shahkar Crafts conducted mosaic activities. 14 children under 17 were featured in young creative segment.

Five women in food businesses were honoured as Hunarmand Khawateen. They were shortlisted in cohort programme in collaboration with MOMpreneurs Pakistan. These women were given stalls, training and seed money to prepare for event, in addition to beautiful gift baskets by National Foods to uplift their journey. Focus was to provide them with an means to build sustainability in their livelihoods through this platform.Most businesses sold out as space was packed at prime parts of day with genuine buyers. Some entrants like Folle as well as Wood and Craft were popular with visitors.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 14 2023

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