Chitrali Cap: A Symbol of Heritage in Need of KP Govt Support

News Desk

Peshawar: Peshawar: As temperatures dip across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), winter’s onset brings a surge in demand for the iconic Chitrali woolen cap, with Sher Ali, a celebrated cap-maker, busier than ever at his two-room shop near Peshawar’s Qissa Khwani Bazaar.

Focused on completing his orders, Sher’s dedication to his craft leaves his famed Chapli Kabab cold on the side table.

Since 2010, Sher’s shop in Jahangirpura has become a prime destination for traditional woolen caps, beloved not only locally but also across provinces, Azad Kashmir, and even internationally for their durability and style.

Sher Ali, known affectionately as “Chitrali Chacha,” inherited this craft from his father, who passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest. In 2015, Sher moved to Peshawar for better economic prospects, turning his inherited skills into a thriving business.

“I have been making Chitrali hats for 14 long years,” he explained, as he directed his laborers to meet the growing demand.

The intricate craftsmanship of each cap takes about five hours, and Sher’s caps, made of pure wool, have garnered popularity even in Punjab and Afghanistan. Prices for these handmade caps range between Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, varying with design, wool weight, and quality.

The Chitrali cap has also become a sought-after souvenir for foreign tourists from Europe and Central Asia. Its legacy was highlighted when UK royals, including Princess Diana and Prince William, received these caps as gifts during their visits to Chitral.

Qissa Khwani Bazaar, dating back to the 1940s, now boasts around 800 shops, with many run by Chitrali craftsmen. The market is bustling with visitors eager to welcome winter with traditional warmth and style.

Dubai-based businessman Haji Ehsan Sarwar, visiting the market, shared, “I came to purchase five caps for my family in Dubai. Their durability and warmth are impressive.”

Khayam Chitrali, President of the Chitral Business Community, highlighted the enduring appeal of the Chitrali cap, which remains both a cultural emblem and a practical solution for the region’s harsh winters.

He noted that, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand remains strong and urged the government to support craftsmen with financial aid.

Dr Zilakat Malik, former Chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar, noted the resilience of Pakistan’s textile exports, including woolen garments.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, textile exports saw a modest increase of 0.93 percent in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching $16.655 billion.

Dr Malik emphasized the potential for economic growth in the woolen trade, particularly with Central Asia and Europe, and advocated for industry status and accessible loans for Chitrali cap makers.

As winter approaches, the Chitrali cap endures as a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and community resilience in KP, embodying not only warmth but a cultural identity in need of governmental support.