Ahmed Khan Malik

Sindh’s handicraft sector in is facing severe challenges as low profits, rising exploitation of artisans, and lack of institutional support are pushing many craftsmen into poverty and despair.

Sindh, a land with vibrant culture and centuries-old traditions, has long been recognised for its handicrafts. From the Sindhi Ajrak (shawl) and Rilli quilts to handmade pottery, jewellery, woodwork, and embroidery, these crafts represent not only a source of livelihood for thousands but also a heritage passed down through generations.

Despite its cultural significance, the sector’s true potential has largely bypassed artisans themselves, as middlemen and traders often purchase handicrafts at extremely low prices and later resell them at steep makeups in urban markets or export them for substantial profit. As a result,  artisans — mostly women in rural areas — struggle to make ends meet.

According to insiders, an artisan who spends days weaving an Ajrak or embroidering a Sindhi kurta may earn no more than a few hundred rupees for her labour. Meanwhile, the same product is sold in city boutiques for several thousand rupees. This imbalance has left many artisans disheartened, with some abandoning their craft altogether. “The exploitation is not limited to pricing alone.

Many artisans, especially women, are bound by informal contracts that force them to work for fixed buyers,” Naseer Qureshi, an artisan in Hala district, told Wealth Pakistan. He said that these buyers provide raw materials on credit but then dictate the selling price of the finished product. “Artisans have little bargaining power and often end up in cycles of debt. Lack of access to formal markets, modern technology, and financial services further deepens their vulnerability,” he said.

Adding to these woes is the absence of government support.

While cultural festivals and exhibitions occasionally showcase Sindh’s handicrafts, sustained initiatives for capacity building, fair pricing, and global promotion remain minimal. “Policies announced in the past, such as establishing handicraft training centres and cooperatives, either failed to take off or were poorly implemented. Without proper marketing channels, artisans remain invisible in the supply chain, their products stripped of identity and value,” Jabbar Memon, an SME expert in Hyderabad, told Wealth Pakistan.

He highlighted the lack of innovation as a challenge. “While the traditional designs of Sindh carry immense cultural value, global markets demand constant variety. Artisans rarely receive training in design adaptation, digital marketing, or e-commerce.”

As a result, their crafts fail to reach broader audiences willing to pay fair prices. Pakistan’s neighbouring countries have successfully promoted their handicrafts through government-backed platforms, while Sindh’s artisans remain dependent on exploitative intermediaries, Jabbar said.

Despite these challenges, he said the handicraft sector holds immense potential. “If properly supported, it could not only improve livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the provincial economy,” he said.

Jabbar said that international markets are increasingly seeking sustainable, handmade products with cultural authenticity. “Creating direct linkages between artisans and buyers through online platforms, providing skill development programmes, and ensuring fair-trade certification could transform the sector,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk