Workers want to keep Islampur’s looms turning

SWAT: Islampur is bent on keeping its cottage hand loom industry up and running, producing high quality woolen shawls and warm clothes for the region.

The village, located in the mountains of Marghuzar Valley, caters to over 450 factories. It suffered heavy losses as a result of the unrest that took over the area when insurgents tried to impose their version of Sharia law in the valley.

Local artisans and industry owners, however, are determined to revive their cottage weaving industry and prove that art and creativity can never be subjugated.

Umer Islam, the owner of a loom, told The Express Tribune, “Our forefathers were in this profession. I have this cottage factory where 12 hand looms are at work, we have some of the best artisans who produce world class woolen products - not just men but women from the area also work here.”

“We incurred severe losses when Fazlullah tried to disrupt peace in the valley. We suffered for three consecutive years,” Islam said.

Abdur Rahman, an artisan told The Express Tribune, “Before the militancy we would earn up to Rs400, then came a time when the industry was shut down and we became unemployed.”

The wool weaving industry of Islampur produces some of the best winter gear, but the credit for it, unfortunately, goes to the middleman, leaving those doing the actual work feeling deprived.

Amani Malk, another artisan, told The Express Tribune, “The benefit that comes from selling these products is pocketed by the middleman.”

Hassan Shah, a local dealer and factory owner, told The Express Tribune, “We import wool from China, Australia and other countries and it is very costly. If the government takes steps to promote us, our industry will flourish.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2010.