AHAN Artisan Story - Pakistan

AHAN - Aik Hunar Aik Nagar

AHAN, was initiated in 2007 as a subsidiary of Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). Registered as a non-profit organization, the aim of the AHAN project is to generate employment opportunities in rural areas of Pakistan and promote the traditional craft skills through trainings, quality assurance, micro credit loans and marketing support.  

The concept is designed to emulate the OVOP (One Village One Product) of Japan and OTOP (One Tombon One Product) of Thailand programs which have been successful in promoting non-farm micro and small enterprises thus improving employment prospects of the marginalized.

AHAN’s network is spread across four provinces in Pakistan. The craft practiced by the traditional artisan communities across the provinces include; textiles, silver jewelry, ceramics, mosaic and leather products. 70% of AHAN’s artisan members are women and the remaining include landless peasants and daily wage workers. The objective of the organization is to increase its geographical span as well as find strong market linkages for these beautiful, handmade products. In the effort AHAN has been able to link artisan communities with various domestic and international retailers and importers, which in turn has helped to improve the quality of life for the artisans and their communities.