PESHAWAR
\nAs the temperature has significantly dropped in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa signaling the dawn of winter season, Sher Ali, a renowned Chitrali cap maker, finds himself busier than ever by earning maximum capital in the lucrative market of Peshawar.
\nUnaware of the Chappli Kabab being cold on his side table in two room shop, Sher was seen asking his three labourers to hurry up to complete the placed orders before harsh weather.
\nHis shop in Jahingarpura near Qissa Khwani bazaar, established in 2010, has become a go-to destination for those seeking warmth and style in the form of these traditional quality woolen caps being liked in all provinces, Azad Kashmir and overseas due to its durability.
\nSher Ali, known affectionately as \u201cChitrali Chacha,\u201d by locals inherited this craft from his father, who passed away unexpectedly due to a cardiac arrest.
\nAfter moving to Peshawar in 2015 in search of better economic opportunities, Sher Ali transformed his inherited skills into a thriving business. \u201cI\u2019ve been making Chitrali hats for 14 long years,\u201d he explains, while urging his laborers to work faster to meet the growing demand.
\nThe intricate process of creating a single cap takes about five hours of careful craftsmanship. The Chitrali cap, made from pure wool, is not just a local favorite; its quality and affordability have garnered attention from buyers in Punjab and even neighboring Afghanistan.
\nHe said the prices for these handmade hats range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000, depending on the design, wool weight and standard.
\nThe popularity of the Chitrali wollen cap has also attracted foreign tourists especially from Europe and Central Asian Republics, who are eager to purchase these unique pieces from the historic bazaar.
\nIn the past, high-profile visitors, including UK royals like Princess Diana and Prince William, have received these caps during their visit to Chitral as gifts, further elevating the product status.
\nEstablished in 1940s, the Qissa Khwani bazaar has grown from a few shops to around 800, primarily run by Chitrali craftsmen where these days atmosphere is electric, filled with shoppers eager to embrace the winter season in style.
\nHaji Ehsan Sarwar, a Dubai-based Pakistani businessman, shared his enthusiasm as he browsed the stalls. \u201cI came to purchase five such caps for my family in Dubai. Their durability and warmth impress me the most,\u201d he said.
\nKhayam Chitrali, President of the Chitral Business Community in Peshawar, reflected on the bazaar\u2019s evolution since he first opened his shop in 1982.
\nHe noted that the enduring appeal of the Chitrali cap, which continues to be a cultural emblem and a practical solution to the region\u2019s cold winters.
\nKhayam said that Coronavirus pandemic have barely impacted their business and demanded special financial loans to the affected craftsmen.
\nAccording to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the Pakistan\u2019s textile group exports has increased by around 0.93 percent during the fiscal year 2023-24 and remained at $16.655 billion as compared to $16.501 billion in 2022-23.
\nThe country\u2019s exports in the fiscal year 2023-2024 totaled $30.677 billion (provisional) against $27.724 billion during the corresponding period of last year showing an increase of 10.65 percent.
\nSimilarly, textile group exports including wollen garments remained at $1.414 billion when compared to $1.471 billion during the same month of last year.
\nSimilarly, the main commodities of exports during June 2024 were knitwear (Rs119,053 million), readymade garments (Rs90,445 million) and bed wear (Rs65,290 million).
\nDr Zilakat Malik, former Chairman Economics Department at University of Peshawar said that the Pakistan Bureau of Statstics data revealed steady growth of taxtile including wollen garments which is positive signs.
\nHe said there was great economic scope in wollen trade especially in Central Asian States and European countries and suggested that Pakistan can attract huge revenue by increasing trade of wollen garments to these countries.
\nDr Zilakat Malik undered the need for giving Chtrali Cap as special industry status and loans on easy term and condition to the affected craftsmen.
\nAs winter approaches, the Chitrali cap stands not only as a means to keep warm but also as a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and community resilience in the face of changing economic and financial landscapes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR As the temperature has significantly dropped in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa signaling the dawn of winter season, Sher Ali, a renowned Chitrali cap maker, finds himself busier than ever by earning maximum capital in the lucrative market of Peshawar. Unaware of the Chappli Kabab being cold on his side table in two room shop, Sher was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-440061","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n