ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: The traditional art of weaving captivated the visitors at the opening day of a three-day Weaving Exhibition being held at Lok Virsa.

Speaking on the occasion, Terje Barstad, the acting Norwegian Ambassador to Pakistan, said culture was a peacekeeping activity and it also plays an important role in the art of communication.

“We believe that culture is an important tool in building bridges between people and nations,” Mr Barstad said adding, “People without a common language are being able to communicate through different types of cultural expressions like dance, music, pictures, literature, handicraft, etc.”

He said the culture was bringing different tribes and nations closer.

Over 30 master artisans from different parts of the country including remotest regions are participating in the exhibition along with their Khaddis (handlooms).

While the weavers were displaying the art of making traditional products the crafts are on display too at the exhibition, which includes traditional carpet weaving from Balochistan, Lungi, Khes, Farasi, Loi, Darree. Weaving from Sindh, carpet and khaddar weaving from Punjab, pattu weaving from Gilgit-Baltistan, Taghar, shawl, pelisk and carpet weaving from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also put on display.

The exhibition not only highlights their skills but the visitors are gaining the knowledge of traditional craft through live demonstrations of creative craftsmanship, but the collectors and those who appreciate traditional crafts can obtain these products at the best bargain, without the involvement of middleman.

Handloom in all aspects has been one of the major crafts of Pakistan. Starting from fabric and floor rugs to weaving of baskets and ropes all are found in the country.

Every corner of Pakistan has its own traditional weaving, like cotton fabric, silk, cotton textiles, woolen cloth, floor rugs and carpets, farasi, Sharma of Hunza, Palesk from Chitral.

Ghilims represent traditional Balochi handloom, Sindhi Sussi itself like bride's dream woven in colour.

The dignitaries present on the occasion said that Lok Virsa was much more than a museum, as it carries out field research, collection and revival of traditions, undertakes culture studies, promotes and documents Pakistan's indigenous cultural heritage and traditional culture.

The Norwegian envoy said, “We have chosen Lok Virsa as a partner because of the possibilities this partnership opens up for close and mutually beneficial cooperation with similar institutions in Norway.”

Lok Virsa's executive director Khalid Javaid said that the holding of the exhibition has been possible with the financial support of Norwegian government.