Pakistani products steal the show

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 16

Pakistani handwoven traditional ‘prandaas’ fitted with mirrors, ghunghroos and colourful beads today stole the heart of many a women shoppers on the first day of the South Asia trade fair-cum-consumer expo that began here at the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall.

The trade fair is being organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in association with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The tradition in both the countries remains the same even today. The fencing constructed between the two countries many years ago could not take away their glorious heritage. We also wear ‘prandaas’, ‘maiyaan’ and even ‘kaleeras’ like your women wear here during their marriage,” said Samina Mussarat, a trader from Lahore.

Samina Mussarat said she had also brought real henna ‘ark’ which leaves a dark colour in just 15 minutes. Though the concept is old in Pakistan, many countries, including India, are yet to be introduced to it,” said Samina.

While there are many stalls of Pakistan traders, some traders from Afghanistan and Egypt have also put up their products for sale.

Also, Lahore Boski too was a hit with the shoppers. “Lahore has been known for its bosky material for years. The quality available here ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 1,600 per meter. We are surprised that the people here are also aware about its variety and are buying the best stuff from here,” said Jamshed Haider from Lahore.

As the visas were given late, many traders could not reach the first day of the expo and are expected to arrive on Friday.

Among the food stalls, Liza Foods, a renowned outlet on the Lahore food street, is offering delicious veg and non-veg dishes to its consumers. However, the owner of the stall, Faisal, has his own grudges. “Though we are the only ones who came from Pakistan, many Indian foods stalls claiming to be from either Karachi or Lahore are taking the people for a ride which is hurting me a lot. The organisers must do something to stop this,” said Faisal.

Earlier in the day, Raja Amir Iqbal, president, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, inaugurated the expo. While appreciating the efforts of the PHD Chamber, Raja said such trade expositions will not only increase business, but also help India and Pakistan get to know the culture of each other better.

Also, Madhu Pillai, regional director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the event, spread across 10,000 square metres will continue till February 20. Here, people can enjoy different taste while shopping. She informed that people across India and Pakistan are participating in this industrial fair.

“It is an ideal platform for the Indian manufacturers and traders to showcase goods at the international level. We have provided world-class infrastructure at the expo and like previous editions, this time too, we are expecting healthy business inquiries that would cross the previous benchmarks,” said Pillai

According to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry regional director, more such events have been planned across the region during this financial year.