Aik Hunar Aik Nagar

Rural Artisan Groups

Pakistan is home to many traditional handicrafts, such as embroidery, ceramics and silver-work, which are created by specialized artisan groups. Unfortunately, these artisans work in an industry dominated by middlemen and rarely see the fruits of their labors. Pakistan’s government has recently uncovered this industry’s potential to spur economic development in rural areas, where three-quarters of the population live in poverty. AHAN works with groups in all four of Pakistan's provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan), and enables them to receive fair compensation for their craft.

Sindhi Embroidery

Each province of Pakistan has a unique style of embroidery, which uses a variety of materials, depicting everything from Islamic motifs to designs drawn from nature. Sindhi embroidery is similar to that of Baluchistan and Punjab in design and color, and uses a variety of nature-inspired patterns and geometric designs. Embroidery from this province is distinguished by bead and sequin embellishments. AHAN's producers in Sindhi incorporate these elements into the production of colorful, elaborate fabric bangles and richly embroidered women's accessories, such as handbags, pouches, and clutches. 

Region: South Asia

Capital: Islamabad

Population: 177,276,594 (2010)

Size: Slightly less than twice the size of California

Languages: Punjabi (48%), Sindhi, Siraiki, Pashtu, Urdu (official), English (official), other

Major religion(s): Muslim 95% (75% Sunni, 20% Shia)

Literacy rate: Total 49.9%; Men 63%; Women 36%

Poverty rate: 24% of the population lives below the poverty line

Maternal mortality rate: Lifetime risk of death in childbirth 1 in 74

Economic participation and opportunity: 126th worst country for women (out of 128)

Did you know: Pakistan is home to the world's highest paved international road, the Karakoram Highway, which connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountains at an altitude of 16,000 feet.

All statistics from CIA World Factbook 2010, UNICEF, and the Global Gender Gap Report 2007

Pakistan, meaning "Land of the Pure" in Urdu, was established in 1947 when India was divided in two by the departing British. It was created as a Muslim state, leaving India to the majority Hindu population. The partition resulted in mass migration of Hindus and Muslims across the border, sparking communal violence that continues to erupt periodically today. The two countries still fight over the India-controlled regions of Jammu and Kashmir along the border.

Rural Poverty

Today, Pakistan has one of the fastest growing populations in the world, and is experiencing a period of economic growth. Economic advances have primarily benefited the urban population; 75% of the rural population remains impoverished. These communities lack access to basic services, infrastructure, education, and health care. After the September 11th attacks in 2001, Pakistan allied with the U.S. against the Taliban in Afghanistan. As a result, the U.S. gave Pakistan over $10 billion in aid, but most of the funding went to the military rather than to address poverty. Although governments under first General Pervez Musharraf and later, President Asif Ali Zardari have promised to restore the economy, the country has faced poor governance, corruption, and disregard for human rights.

Women

In Pakistan, over 70% of those living in poverty are women. In some areas as few as 20% of women are literate. They face mistreatment, abuse, higher rates of malnutrition, and severely limited access to education, health care, and employment. Despite the many obstacles to addressing women's rights, human rights, and poverty in Pakistan, the country is starting to make some changes. In 2006, the Women's Protection Bill was passed, transferring jurisdiction over cases of adultery and rape from Islamic law to criminal courts. Support is increasing for a number of organizations that support income generation, microfinance, and rights education for women across the country.

Natural Disasters

The earthquake in 2005 devastated regions of the country that already faced significant challenges; more than 74,000 Pakistanis were killed, 70,000 injured and over 2.8 million left homeless in and around Kashmir. The world responded with millions of dollars in aid designated to provide health care, supplies, shelter, water, and education to affected populations, but most people continue to live in poor conditions with limited access to resources. Endemic poverty and earthquake devastation were compounded by the floods of August 2010, the worst in Pakistani history. Thousands died and 13.8 million people, over half of whom are women and children, have been seriously affected; with high risk of diseases such as cholera, the toll is expected to rise.