News 45 of 50

Right: In the lap of the fairy mountains, the skilled hands create artistic work that display their cultural and aesthetic expressions.

PAN proudly launches a new Arts & Crafts category on its E-commerce Mall, under the Mail Order System.

Making a debut here are genuine Hunza handcrafted products from the spectacular Karakoram mountains of northern Pakistan. Located on the old Silk Route, Hunza, a Shangri-la on earth, has a very rich history and cultural heritage, which has shaped the special traditions of the area.

The craft items offered are of unique quality, comprising embroidery, carpets, traditional goat/yak hair rugs (Sharma), wood carvings, musical instruments and fabrics. Adapting traditional motifs and designs, the Thread Net Hunza project has transformed local crafts into globally marketable products and generates work and income for about 2000 women producers. These beautiful items are made with affection by local famous artisans and are of the highest quality. The proceeds from the sale of these products are reinvested in the local communities to improve their skills and develop sustainable markets for their products.

The project is supported by the Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO), a non-profit community-based organization working to promote sustainable development of mountain areas in northern Pakistan. The organization promotes culture-sensitive and environment-friendly micro-enterprises, creating village-based employment for poor women, men and disadvantaged groups of the community. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation provides financial support to KADO.

PAN warmly welcomes KADO as our latest e-commerce partner in development.

2001-02-02

News 45 of 50