Pakistan’s Swat valley weaving industry still intact despite hardships - in pictures

  • Tourist Mohammad Imran examines a handmade sheep-wool shawl being sold by Bilal, a shop owner in Islampur, Swat valley. All photos: Tariq Ullah for The National
    Tourist Mohammad Imran examines a handmade sheep-wool shawl being sold by Bilal, a shop owner in Islampur, Swat valley. All photos: Tariq Ullah for The National
  • Shehzad, 25, weaves a shawl in the courtyard of his home
    Shehzad, 25, weaves a shawl in the courtyard of his home
  • Ali weaving in the small town with a population of only 25,000
    Ali weaving in the small town with a population of only 25,000
  • The sound of traditional handlooms known as khadi can be heard throughout the town
    The sound of traditional handlooms known as khadi can be heard throughout the town
  • Wooden bobbins called mako hold threads of various colours
    Wooden bobbins called mako hold threads of various colours
  • Naik Mohammad, 45, is busy weaving a shawl in Islampur
    Naik Mohammad, 45, is busy weaving a shawl in Islampur
  • The artisan weaves three shawls a day, which earn him $1.70 apiece
    The artisan weaves three shawls a day, which earn him $1.70 apiece
  • The shawls are hung up to dry and will be ironed before going to market
    The shawls are hung up to dry and will be ironed before going to market
  • Hazir Gul, the founding executive director of the Islampur Cottage Industries Association
    Hazir Gul, the founding executive director of the Islampur Cottage Industries Association
  • Shawls for sale in a shop in Islampur
    Shawls for sale in a shop in Islampur
  • Bano Bibi in a shop in Islampur. Weaving shawls 'involves 37 people in the production process, from herding sheep to making wool, weaving and designing'
    Bano Bibi in a shop in Islampur. Weaving shawls 'involves 37 people in the production process, from herding sheep to making wool, weaving and designing'
  • Wool yarn is made through a traditional spinning machine
    Wool yarn is made through a traditional spinning machine