Pakistan Travel Stories (Part 3)

Gifts, Souvenirs and traditional stuff from Pakistan. 

 

One of the things that I love about travelling is shopping! Thankfully, I don't really go for massive, wallet-draining, weight-increasing, buying-everything-you-see kind of shopping sprees. I like to buy small gifts and souvenirs - something traditional and unique that would be a memory of my visit. Fridge magnets are my absolute favourites, just so that you know!

During my recent trip to Pakistan, though it is my home, I was in a full touristy mood and I did some shopping for myself, home and friends here in Malaysia which I think is worth sharing. So, here are my picks from my gifts and souvenir shopping.

In Islamabad, I had the chance to visit Lok Virsa. It is a heritage museum and really a good place to see Pakistani folk culture and traditions in one place. You can spend an evening there. With eateries and a few shops selling very Pakistani traditional stuff, Lok Virsa, is a must visit place.

As I searched for cultural things I realized that Pakistan is culturally very blessed. We have four provinces and each of them has their own distinctive way of life - different language, style of cooking, clothing and different traditions, making Pakistan a traditionally rich country. My 'search' in fact turned into a tough selection from the endless choices I had.

A Small shop selling embroidered shirts, bags, waist coats, cushion covers and spreads at Lok Virsa 

A shop loaded with metallic, wooden and marble decoration pieces.

A shop selling water and oil paintings

The first thing on my agenda was to buy gifts for my friends and colleagues back in Malaysia. I had to choose something very traditional but small that would not cause weight issues. My problem was solved when I came across these small stalls that sell old traditional jewelry, jewelry boxes, clutches, decoration items and what have you. These stalls were in Monal, Islamabad.

I bought a mix of different stuff and let my friends choose what they wanted. They loved the colourful earrings, pendants and jewelry boxes.

I fell in love with these metallic clutches at Monal and instantly bought a few as gifts.

A metallic clutch

A stand of colourful earrings

You must have realized that Pakistani traditional stuff is very colourful. If you ever visit Pakistan, from the airport to your destination, the colourful buses and trucks on the roads, will be a proof of our love for colours. Our public buses and trucks are beautifully decorated by an art called the Truck Art. It is my most favourite form of Pakistani art. I cannot buy a whole truck but, thanks to some designers and art lovers, we have now in Pakistan, adorable truck art inspired stuff that you can easily buy even online. I can proudly call myself a truck art collector as my collection just keeps growing. I not only have frames, coasters, fridge magnets and wall hangings but also wearable stuff like rings, bangles and clutches that add colour to any outfit that I pair them with.

I did a full review of my experience with an online store here. Their quality and customer service is really good.

Some of truck art collection

I also got these replica trucks and rickshaws that look adorable in showcases, shelves and racks. It is a growing trend to decorate coffee and tea shops with truck art inspired stuff. The truck below sits happily on my workstation while, the rickshaw is in the showcase where I display my little souvenir collection from every country that I visit.

A handmade colourful truck for decoration

A replica of rickshaw - A type of public transport used readily in Pakistan

If you love crockery and pottery, Pakistan's famous blue pottery is a must buy! Hailing from the city of Multan, blue or Kashi pottery is beautiful hand crafted pieces of art - something extremely unique and exquisite. The designs are a mix of floral and calligraphic patterns inspired by Persian art. I own a tea set and some bowls and plates for serving. Whenever I serve any guest in this unique tea set and serving dishes, the conversation, no matter how interesting, diverts to these cups!

Famous blue pottery of Pakistan

The fun part is that you get addicted to collecting these, too.You will keep falling in love with a bowl or a plate or a vase. But, this I think is something worth spending your money on.

I am still looking for a reliable online retailer for blue pottery. I will update this post if I find a contact soon. Any suggestions or recommendations from you guys are welcome.

I bought from Super Market, Islamabad and Zainab Market, Karachi.

I really cant get stop admiring these!

Beautiful floral designs of blue pottery

As we discuss stuff to buy from Pakistan, it is important to mention that Pakistan's biggest industry is Textile Industry that makes her 8th largest exporter of textile in Asia. We produce one of finest quality cotton. Our bed linens, spreads, covers, curtains, towels etc are of premium quality and very affordable. We are also world's second largest  exporter of denim. So, if you love to buy clothes or denim, Pakistan is THE country to buy some really quality stuff at very reasonable prices. We have a booming fashion industry and you would be surprised to see the kind of clothes local Pakistani brands produce. Not only because of the quality of material but in terms of designs and stitching, Pakistani markets will spoil you with the variety and choices! Whether you want a colourful traditional dress or something very western and chic; something really glittery and sparkly or just a classy gown - there is something for everyone. It is really impossible to discuss Pakistani textile and fashion industry in one post. So, I will have to leave you with these few facts for now. Sorry.

Coming back to my shopping! Naturally, I did a lot of clothes shopping. But, what I think was one of my most interesting buy was this Ajrak Scarf from a boutique in Karachi called Koel. Ajrak is a traditional way of block printing originating from Sindh, a province of Pakistan and has become the symbol of culture of Sindh. It is very a unique piece of art to own. With Indigo being the key dye, all the dyes used in production of Ajrak are natural. Ajrak is material that you can use in any form; bed linens, covers, shirts, skirts, scarves or just shawls.

Check out my scarf which is 100% handmade, using natural dyes and in the colours of original Ajrak. I love the material, light weight and size of this scarf.

Ajrak from Pakistan.

Can't wait to wear it!

That is it, guys :)

Tell me what is your favourite buy from my picks?





If you want to read about my crazy shoe shopping spree, read here. And in this post, I have put all my food adventures. You can also read my emotional outburst after visiting Pakistan here.