Pakistan’s Hand-Knotted Carpet Industry Maintains Strong Global Reputation

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan — Ejaz ur Rehman, Chairperson of the Carpet Training Institute (CTI), has highlighted that Pakistan’s hand-knotted carpet industry continues to enjoy a strong global reputation, celebrated for its superior quality and unique designs tailored to regional preferences and international trends.
Speaking at a seminar at CTI Lahore, attended by leading manufacturers and exporters, Ejaz ur Rehman provided a comprehensive overview of the sector, its current challenges, and future prospects. He noted that the industry faces rising production costs, a shortage of skilled artisans, and supply chain disruptions, which have created hurdles for sustained growth.
Ejaz ur Rehman emphasized that digital transformation in retail has fundamentally changed consumer behavior. Features such as online customization, virtual room simulations, and digital product presentation platforms have become essential for competing in today’s market. He stressed that brands that effectively showcase the historical and cultural heritage of their carpets through e-commerce and traceability are more likely to succeed internationally.
Highlighting the competitive global landscape, he noted that major international players—including Domotex, Beaulieu International Group, Interface Inc., Mohawk Industries, Shaw Industries, Balta Group NV, Milliken Floor Coverings, and others—hold significant market positions, making strategic adaptation vital for Pakistani manufacturers.
Ejaz ur Rehman described the global hand-knotted carpet market as a space where traditional craftsmanship meets modern marketing strategies, offering both cultural continuity and commercial opportunities. He urged Pakistani exporters to realign production and export strategies to capitalize on these evolving trends.
Concluding his address, he said that the blend of cultural heritage, shifting consumer preferences, and global economic trends has made Pakistan’s carpet industry more dynamic and attractive, resulting in growing interest from domestic and international buyers.
The seminar underscored the importance of innovation, skill development, and digital engagement as key drivers for sustaining Pakistan’s competitive edge in the global hand-knotted carpet market.