Lifestyle expo ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ saw both the exhibitors and shoppers in high spirits on day two of the exhibition being held in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Visitors thronged the hall, as the exhibition opened with an exuberant display of fashionable garments, accessories, home décor essentials, footwears, handicrafts, and jewelry. Gul Ahmed, Bareeze, Chen One, Sana Safinaz, Alkaram and Rang Ja are a few must visit stalls for those looking to buy vibrant Pakistani lawn suits, sarees, palazzos and kurtas for men. Besides, there are specialist home décor companies from across the border like Pakistani exports and others who have shoppers in awe of their décor accessories.
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ opened with a Fashion show showcasing the best of Pakistani couture that was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on September 10th. Famed design houses like Kayseria, Rang Ja, Lala Textiles, Faiza Samee, Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, FNKAsia, Ahan and Farnaz Mustafa showcased their latest collection on the ramp and awed the audiences.
A four-day art exhibition titled ‘Pakistan Art Today’, showcasing the new works of 11 Pakistani contemporary artists, was inaugurated at Art Junction, The Lalit, by Padma Vibhushan Shri Satish Gujral and the High Commission of Pakistan, Abdul Basit, together with other dignitaries, eminent artists and guests. The show is on till September 14th that will enable the visitors to acquaint themselves with the artworks from across the border.
Speaking about ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, TDAP Chief Executive SM Muneer said: “The event will help people living below poverty line in both the nations. To support them, we have to increase our turnover. When the business of both the countries will increase, then the poor people will be benefited too”.
Lifestyle Pakistan is an initiative of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade between the two countries. It is second showcase of top quality export products of Pakistan under one roof in India. With a trade potential of billions of dollars between the two countries, the event will not only offer a unique opportunity to trade community of India to interact with Pakistani counterparts but also a first-hand opportunity for customers to feel and own the best quality products Pakistan has to offer.”
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ is an initiative of TDAP to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade between the two countries. It is the second showcase of top quality export products of Pakistan under one roof in India. The exhibition will have over 350 stalls while TDAP’s own kiosk has been designed by students of Asian Institute of Fashion Design.
FICCI President Sidharth Birla started off his speech by praying for the victims in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir. Talking about ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, he said the exposition was to develop business and strengthen strong cultural bonds between the two countries.
Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit said, “Our countries have many facets. The facet of economic relations constitutes an important aspect of our relations because such activities not only create win-win situation but also bring our people together. India is our important neighbour. Time has come we walk past the narratives of past and make a new beginning, and I am sure this event will show us the path towards creating opportunities for our countries and finding new avenues. I am sure this will have far reaching positive effects on our countries.”
The event includes panel discussions and special sessions on trade and business between India and Pakistan. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Shehzad Roy and Meesha Shafi are the brand ambassadors for Aalishan Pakistan. Karachi-based NGO Tehzeeb will provide music at the events.
The first Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition helped in generating business of around US$ 7 million and future prospect deals of around US$ 20-25 million were made during business-to-business meetings. Due to tremendous response received, many of Pakistani exhibitors like Gul Ahmed and Junaid Jamshed have inaugurated their outlets in different cities of India.
