Pakistan’s disabled artisans keep endangered rug tradition alive
Originally founded to help people with disabilities build skills and livelihoods, the center is today one of the last custodians of the Sharma
HUNZA, Pakistan (MNTV) — In a small center built into the rugged mountains of Hunza, a team of artisans with disabilities is keeping alive one of the region’s rarest traditions: the Sharma, a hand-woven goat-hair rug that once adorned households across northern Pakistan.
The centuries-old craft now survives in only a few places, including a training center in Hunarkun established in 1966. Originally founded to help people with disabilities build skills and livelihoods, the center is today one of the last custodians of the Sharma.
Among the artisans is Karim, 52, who has an intellectual disability and helps prepare yarn.
“I feel happy when I work with my hands,” he said. “The money is nice, but the real joy comes from knowing I’m helping to keep our culture alive.”
A collaborative process shaped by ability
Supervisor Sultan Azam explained that the rug-making process begins by collecting, washing and sorting goat hair. It is then spun into thick yarn—called Talow in the Burushaski language—by Ishaq, a blind craftsman whose sensitive touch guides the work.
“Every person’s weakness becomes their strength here,” Azam said. “Blind artisans work as precisely as sighted ones. Others help sort, spin, or weave depending on their abilities.”
A rare and valuable cultural treasure
Sharma rugs, once used as floor coverings, wall hangings and door mats, can still be seen in the historic Altit and Baltit forts. Made from black, brown, and white goat hair, some pieces now sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands of rupees. Demand is highest for darker rugs, Azam said, because goats of those colors are increasingly rare.
Women artisans contribute as well. Khushhan Bano, 44, who has an intellectual disability, produces delicate embroidery showcased alongside the rugs.
“People ask why we do this by hand when machines exist,” she said.
“But the designs I make can’t be made by a machine. It’s very fine work — and I love it.”
Tourists visiting the center often purchase the hand-woven pieces, each representing resilience, cultural pride, and a tradition preserved by those most overlooked in society.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
