The fate of Peshawar Fashion Week
The Peshawar Fashion Week (PFW), which was initially scheduled to take place in September — right after Eid — has been postponed indefinitely due to political concerns and security reasons, as cited by Usman Aman, the International Relations Manager for National Fashion and Arts Council (NFAC), Peshawar.
In an interview with The Express Tribune, Aman details plans about the upcoming event, while also explaining why it was postponed in the first place.
What is the major reason for the postponement?
The reason, as I see it, is the threat to the organisers from radical groups in the city.
When is it expected to take place now?
I cannot specify a date as the show has been postponed upon the request of the local government.
What is the official stance of the Ministry of Culture in Peshawar?
All the government institutions, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Corporation of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), support the event as it not only encourages the trade of fabric and fashion but is also an opportunity to promote tourism and culture — both nationally and internationally.
How responsive do you think locals will be to a Fashion Week in Peshawar?
So far we have received a positive response. Through this event the world will know that people of Pakistan, particularly from Peshawar, are peace-loving citizens.
In your opinion, what exactly is the purpose of holding this Fashion Week?
Primarily, the Fashion Week will attract revenue and investment for K-P’s tourism and cottage industries along with promoting a soft image of the region. However, another important aspect of holding this fashion week is to endorse and support new talent on a national scale.
I’m convinced that the PFW will play a part in boosting the economy of the province and of Pakistan in general. In my opinion, the main reason behind the PFW is to reclaim the confidence lost due to the war on terror. NFAC, being a regional organisation, can cater to those craftsmen who do not understand other languages and introduce them to international buyers.
Which designers are participating in the PFW?
From the local industry, designers including Ali Xeeshan, Mohsin Ali, Ainee Khawaja and Yasmina Aman along with Mohammad Ali and Hameeda from K-P are participating in the event. From the international circle, May Chay from Malaysia, RS Danny, HP Closet and Irene Hoon from Singapore have been extended an invitation, while international models including Laverne Asante, Kim Kotter and Spice Gabriel will be walking the ramp.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2011.
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NFAC is doing a great Job. Really appreciate the efforts of Ali Asghar and Whole NFAC team . Peshawar fashion week will One Success Story and will be a Revulotion in KPK Fahion Industry. Best of Luck
There is a vast difference between self proclaimed, appointed and honorary person, and here I would like to clear the misconception that I am not a self proclaimed IRM infact I am an official spokesperson and an International Relations Manager of the NFAC and whatever I spoke, spoke with authority extended over to me by the management, and a plan to host a Press Conference soon to make some important announcements is underway. Thank you all for the patience to read it all...
i would love to Say that i am the man behind this Peshawar Fashion Week 2011 and this council but due to Their Management of Council i couldn't continue this Event and Council, i have announced it in December, 2010, and at that time i was individually doing it, but few people (C.E.O and Director Fashion & Arts) came to me and wanted to take a part in this event and in this council with me, but they became a very big fraud , its true that TCKP is able to manage this event . and i am here to do it. and every soon every one will have a news that KPK can arrange this event. Regards, Mohammad Waqas Ahmad A, Manager Programs, North, KAY2 TV Channel, Fashion, Journalist/Designer
"The reason, as I see it, is the threat to the organisers from radical groups in the city." This statement by Mr Usman Aman, the self appointed IRM of NFAC is highly irresponsible, misleading and far from the truth!! TCKP and some private organisations and groups have been consistently holding mega events covering a broad range of fields including musical shows and fashion activities in Peshawar under most challenging times, but never a 'threat from radical groups' was cited as a reason to postpone a program. This is lame excuse offered by the IMR and is actually quite a damaging and irresponsible statement if you think about it!