MINGORA: The display of handmade items made by orphan girls from militancy-hit area of the district attracted a large number of visitors during an art and craft exhibition here on Monday.

Varieties of handmade items including woolen blankets, cushions, shawls, dresses, hair accessories and others made by orphan girls of Khpal Kor Foundation were displayed in the exhibition.

A large number of women including social activists and teachers thronged the exhibition and appreciated the quality of handmade items. They encouraged the orphan girls by buying different items from the stalls.

“I have a passion for designs of henna since childhood. I developed different designs. Today scores of girls came to our stall and went back happy because I applied many floral designs on their hands. I dreamt for this day as I wanted to show my skills to people,” said Barkat Bibi, a nine grader of Khpal Kor Foundation.

Organiser of event pledges to impart training to all inmates of orphanage

Muniba Fazal, a seven grader, who was excited to see the exhibition in her school, said that she saw henna designs in magazines and TV programmes and loved it. “When I saw the mehandi stall I went there and got designs not only on my hands but also on my arms,” she told Dawn.

The visitors also thronged the stalls of embroidery, crochet work and woolen items representing local culture. “These young girls also learned basic lessons in entrepreneurship, poise and confidence. I really loved to see these young girls,” said Shehla Anjum, a writer and frequent visitor to Swat.

She appreciated Swat, its people and its rich cultural, historical and archeological heritage. “The smiles and friendliness of these girls touched my heart,” she added. The exhibition was organised by a young entrepreneur Gulranga Ali, who also taught different skills to the girls. “Learning handicraft and vocational skills are indispensible for girls in our community as majority of people do not allow their girls to do jobs outside of homes,” she said.

Ms Ali said that she wanted to impart skills to all girls in the orphanage so that they could live with honour in the society.

ARREST: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to here on Monday to have arrested a key militant.

According to officials, the arrested person was identified as Farman Ali, a resident of Shawar village in Matta tehsil. “He was a high profile militant associated with banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Swat,” said an official, adding that he was involved in anti-state activities.

The official said that FIR was lodged against the arrested person for attacking security checkposts in Matta tehsil in 2009. Several security personnel were injured in the attack, he added.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2017