The 'Crisis in Varanasi' echoes the reality existing in this part of the world as well.

Several muslim weaver families from Benaras migrated to Pakistan over the years and settled down in Khairpur, and subsequently, some from Bihar as well, in Orangi Town, a Karachi suburb. These areas are referred to as the 'Benarsi Mohallas'.

The decline in Pakistan is not only due to the Chinese imitation invasion but the thrust of the power looms and the acceptance by the masses of cheap synthetic versions. Unfortunately, most of them have been compelled to switch over from the hand looms to the power looms. The rising costs and absence of government policy for craft protection in Pakistan, has resulted in the decline and the craftsmen's shift to other professions.

In addition to lobbying with our respective governments and in the corridors of policy makers in Delhi and in Islamabad, a travelling exhibition of Benarsi silks should be planned simultaneously in both countries and abroad to celebrate this finest of silk weaves, and to make people aware of the severe crisis and the impending death of this beautiful craft; and from there create public opinion and a strong peoples lobby that would advocate the cause of the weavers.

The negative implications of signing the WTO accords have either not been anticipated by our governments or have simply been overshadowed by the promised gains from 'globalization'. The pride once taken in our crafts and craftspeople has been sacrificed at the alter of the new world economic order.