ISLAMABAD Feb 5: Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is striving for exploring national and international markets to promote creative and artistic works of local artisans.

This was stated by the PPAF general manager monitoring, evaluation and research, Khadija Khan, at a three-day exhibition of handicrafts prepared by artisans living in rural areas.

The exhibition was organised by the PPAF at a local hotel here on Wednesday.

“People living in remote areas of Pakistan are financially poor but do not lack in talent and skills,” the general manager said.

The works of artisans were greatly appreciated and encouraged by a large number of people.

More than a dozen stalls were set up by the artisans. A huge collection of hand-knitted shawls, caps, rugs, cushion covers, dresses, decoration items, parandas, carpets and even food items like dates and honey were also available in the exhibition.

Prices of the products were set by the artisans themselves, who were given an opportunity to market their products.

The PPAF was set up in 1997 as a non-profit and autonomous company sponsored by the government of Pakistan and funded by the World Bank.

The PPAF is helping poor artisans in gaining access to resources for self-employment, encouraging them to undertake different activities for income generation and poverty alleviation and enhancing their quality of life.—Jamal Shahid