National identity: K-P’s culture to be promoted at all costs, says FPCCI VP

She said fashion week will take place soon to support entrepreneurs, designers

PESHAWAR: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will take all the necessary steps to promote the culture of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, instead of aping the culture of the west.

This was said by FPCCI Vice President Sajida Zulfiqar, who is also an MNA. She was speaking at Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday regarding preparations for K-P Fashion Week.



“Those who are willing to promote the culture of K-P, which includes the national dress, will be supported,” Zulfiqar said. “[Our] own culture should be displayed during fashion shows.”

For limelight

K-P Fashion Design and Arts Council Head Muhammad Waqas had earlier announced the fashion week will be held on May 27, 28 and 29. However, the venue was not disclosed due to security concerns.

Waqas said the purpose for arranging the event was to support entrepreneurs who will be attending the show and well-known designers from across the country.

“A large number of participants will be from K-P,” he said.

According to Waqas, they will display the culture of the province. People from Chitral, DI Khan and other parts of the province will be present to bring the province’s culture under the limelight.

“Our objective is not only to promote our culture, but also to train our people so that they could compete on an international level,” Waqas said.

He added such events have also taken place in the past in 1998 and 2011.

At least 50 entrepreneurs have already registered for the show.

Iqbal Bano, an entrepreneur, said there is a surfeit of talent in K-P.

She insisted people from the private sector should also come forward since fashion has become an industry.

“Holding such events provides a ray of hope and I am sure it will be a success,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2016.