Jemima Goldsmith is 'still obsessed' with Pakistani truck art

British journalist and former wife of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Jemima Goldsmith has expressed her admiration for Pakistani truck art on Twitter.

Sharing pictures of the truck art we all catch a glimpse of in Pakistan, Jemima recalled how she felt when she first came across it 27 years ago. She also shared a photo of truck artist Haider Ali’s latest work on a pair of Nike sneakers, which went viral. Jemima said she would love to get her hands on them for keepsake.

The screenwriter wrote: “When I first visited Pakistan 27 years ago, I thought there must be a carnival happening — every truck, bus, rickshaw and motorbike uniquely and lovingly decorated. I need these trainers as a memento.”

Haider’s latest work has attracted enormous praise on social media. He painted the familiar motifs of flowers and kohl-rimmed eyes over the shoes, leaving fans inquiring where they can get their hands on a pair. Many also questioned why his creations have not been given the chance to be a part of Dubai expo.

The 41-year-old Karachi-based painter made headlines in June 2020 for honouring George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement with a stunning mural. “Hum kaaley hain tou kia hua, dil waley hain (So what if we’re dark-skinned? We’ve got big hearts),” read the mural. It also featured another popular saying: “Goron ki na kaalon ki, Dunya dil walon ki (Neither the blacks, nor the whites, the world only belongs to those with big hearts).”

Truck art has become a part of Pakistan’s prized cultural heritage. From intricately painted khussas to colourful tableware, truck art is everywhere in the country now, and for good reasons.

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