Pakistan Today

Pakistan’s psychedelic caravans will REALLY liven up long-distance journeys

From its beautiful temples to its stunning mountain ranges, there’s a lot to see in Pakistan.

But one of its lesser known attractions is the vibrantly painted trucks that can be spotted travelling around the country.

As far from the traditionally dull looking arctic lorries as its possible to get, these hand-painted trucks are pieces of moving art.

The ancient Pakistani practice of drivers decorating their trucks has its roots in the days of the Raj when craftsmen made colourful horse drawn carriages for the gentry.

The tradition continued with drivers decorating their vehicles to attract custom and to thank God for prosperity.

Different regions developed their own styles over time and many of the images painted on the side of the vehicles served as reminders of home for drivers on long journeys.

Trucks from the region of Swat are distinctive for their carved wooden doors and limited use of plastic and hammered metalwork.

Although Pakistan is often described as a low-economic status nation, large amounts of money will change hands to decorate trucks.

Many truck owners will pay between $3,000 and $5,000 to decorate their vehicles.

One paint workshop owner Hussain Noor, 58, has been painting trucks for 43 years and one of his trucks is displayed in a museum in Germany.

This collection of images shows drivers adding the finishing touches of paint to their trucks at his studio in Rawalpindi.

Many have painted colorful floral patterns or creative depictions of heroes alongside calligraphy of poetic verses on their vehicles.

Each part of the truck is decorated differently and can contain numerous themes.

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