Woman turns parachute thread into fashionable footwear

Self-taught artisan empowers girls, defies industry odds


Khawar Randhawa July 16, 2025 Less than a minute read
Handmade shoes. Photo Express

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JARANWALA:

Ghazala Asfaq, a Quetta-born entrepreneur now based in Faisalabad, has introduced a unique concept in footwear by designing handmade shoes using parachute thread branded as crochet shoes.

A graduate of Balochistan University, Ghazala left her career as an office assistant and later as a teacher, choosing instead to follow her creative instincts.

Her initial attempts at crafting wool-based tops and sweaters met with lukewarm reception. Still, her resolve did not waver.

When wool shoes failed to meet durability standards, she pivoted — experimenting with parachute thread for greater strength and appeal.

She began by designing her own pair using parachute thread stitched onto a shoe sole.

The result drew admiration from friends and family, sparking a journey into specialised footwear design.

Despite being denied guidance from local shoe manufacturers, she self-trained through online resources and YouTube tutorials, mastering sourcing and manufacturing independently.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Ghazala said she acquires her material from Karachi, incurring extra costs but ensuring product quality.

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