Pakistani Handicrafts

The history & origin of architecture in Pakistan can be traced back to the beginning of the Indus Valley civilization era (around the 3rd millennium B.C.). Later, the discoveries of Ghandhara, Texila and Herpa style architectural monuments suggest that the architectural history of this land had gone through multiple phases. The height of architectural era in Pakistan is undoubtedly the era of Moguls who ruled the Indian Sub-continent for 300 years from 1533 A.D. to 1857 A.D. Buildings like Taj Mahel (built by Mogul emperor Shah Jehan) explains the ingenuity and attitude of the mogals towards architecture.

Modern Pakistani architecture is thus inspired by multiple civilizations, dynasties, religious upheavals and above all the British. The most dazzling feature of Pakistani architecture is the blend of various cultures. For example Mohata Palace in Karachi is a fine example of the British and Islamic architecture. Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is another fine example of modern and ancient architectural blends and the list goes on and on!

Despite the uniqueness of Pakistani architecture, majority of buildings in Pakistan are not very energy efficient. Throughout the country, the building code is not strictly enforced and in the wake of any natural calamity like earthquakes, these buildings have to depend on their luck and severity of the quack. In Pakistan, building structures are usually erected with concrete and iron rods and walls are hard bricked in such a way it’s practically impossible to move them. During these modern times, perhaps the only advantage that kind of construction can offer is its resistibility towards fire but majority of the times fire gets the upper hand! Unfortunately, the fire fighting system in Pakistan is at least 100 years old and no real progress has been made to update it.

Despite all this, buildings are beautiful in Pakistan because most of the attention of devoted to adorn their appearance instead of making them living efficient!