From textiles, jewellery and accessories to carpets, furniture and agro products -- the second edition of Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition, Aalishan Pakistan, with about 300 exhibitors, promises to offer treats galore in the capital starting Thursday.
The event, which is expected to bring a huge delegation from Pakistan to the country, is part of the larger aim of its organisers -- the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan - to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade relations between the two countries.
Just last week, Hindu groups protested against the decision to host Aalishan Pakistan. The protests came after the second Made In Pakistan Expo Mumbai was cancelled at the last minute by the organisers recently.
But the stage is set for Aalishan Pakistan, due to begin Thursday at Hall No.14 and Hall No.18 of Pragati Maidan, one of the capital's largest and most popular trade fair venues.
"It is the second showcase of top quality export products of Pakistan under one roof in India," S.M. Muneer, chief executive of TDAP, had earlier said about the exhibit.
"With a trade potential of billions of dollars between the two countries, the event will not only offer a unique opportunity to trade community of India to interact with Pakistani counterparts but also a first hand opportunity for customers to feel and own the best quality products Pakistan has to offer," added Muneer.
At the four-day event, which will conclude Sunday, exhibitors will showcase products related to fashion, textiles, jewellery, accessories, leather, fabric, carpets, furniture, marble and granite as well as agro products.
Some popular brands that will participate in the exhibition are Bareeze, Chen One, Lala Textiles, Kayseria and Khaadi. Lawn manufacturers including Al Karam, Gul Ahmed, Asim Jofa and Sana Safinaz will also present their collections.
Various furniture houses like Interwood will also exhibit and sell their products.
Besides the exhibition, a delegation of Pakistan-based businessmen will be visiting India to explore bilateral trade opportunities in various sectors.
Before the exhibition gets underway, a Pakistan Fashion Show will be held at a hotel here Wednesday.
The show, by Pakistan's premier textile brand Lala, is being held to support the cause of the girl child.
Orphan girls from Indian NGO Samarpan Foundation will walk the ramp along with top models, while Indian filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt will also be supporting the cause.
A few of the leading Pakistani designers such as Umar Sayeed, Warda Saleem, Sania Maskatiya, Maheen Karim, Deepak Perwani and Faiza Samee along with a few budding fashion designers will showcase their latest lines of ensembles.
The event will also include panel discussions and special sessions on trade and business between India and Pakistan.
