When it comes to Pakistan & Afghanistan, there are many things that have become a symbol of cooperation & brotherhood between the two. The truck, for instance, is one means of transport across land. The trucks that have crossed the border from Pakistan & Afghanistan, have a long, sometimes contentious history attached with them. More recently, however, trucks crossing into Pakistan have been a source of celebration; marking a major step forward in bilateral trade relations between Pakistan & Afghanistan.
Moreover, on 13 May,2020, it was decided that Pakistan would let a greater number of trucks in from Afghanistan (from the initial 100 trucks/day, it went up to 150 trucks/day).If you add up the numbers, it means that nearly 54,750 trucks carrying goods, cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan. Therefore these trucks became a symbol of cooperation and brotherhood between the two neighboring countries.
In Pakistan, the sound that ornate trucks rumbling down highways make is indeed charismatic. Recently, trucks ornamented in the colorful pattern are catching a lot of international attention. Colors that soothe eyes with poetic calligraphy that every individual either relates to or enjoys. More so, the American military in Afghanistan named these fashioned trucks “Jingle Trucks”. Particularly referring to the bells hanging across the front.
The Beginning of the Unconventional Art
One can easily spot the vibrant trucks on the roads of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both countries, along with sharing a lot of other commonalities also have similar taste in art. Seemingly, it occurred that it was the passion and feelings of drivers that resulted in the creation of colourful Trucks. On contrary, it is more than just passion, it is a cultural expression that has deep roots in the South Asian Tradition. South Asia, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan has given birth to the innovative idea of Truck Art.
Subsequently, soon after, developed states became familiar with Truck Art in the 1970s. This is when foreign tourists took back the memories and Photographs of decorated Trucks; collected during their journey in Pakistan. Since the early 20th Century, Truck Art has been evolving. Some sources state that this art was witnessed during the British Raj when horse-drawn carriages were decorated and painted with different colours in the 1920s.
Communicating through inscriptions or messages of peace and brotherhood can create a positive impact on the general public in both states.
On the other hand, some sources say Truck Art began emerging in the 1940s from the Subcontinent where Sikh transporters used to paint
portraits of their spiritual Gurus on trucks and lorries. Hence, after the partition, the people of Pakistan also adopted it. Ever since individuals either from Pakistan or Afghanistan have added their personal touch and molded this art-form according to their liking. From portraits of Sikh Gurus to Sufis to heroes to peacocks to landscapes with poetic calligraphy, the art evolved and continues to keep evolving. With every passing year, the artists introduce new novel elements and shapes.
Winning Hearts Through Truck Art
This Art industry relieved many of those struggling with unemployment. It has become a source of breadwinning for several people who work within the Truck Art industry. Furthermore, exhibiting the art beyond its border has allowed the art industry to introduce a new genre of art, i.e. Truck Art. So much so that now, Truck Art is being used by many designers, newbie entrepreneurs, industrialists, transport companies, and the apparel industry in their products.
In broader terms, cross-border state-level relations. The two neighboring countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, commonly practice Truck Art in South Asia.
Any idea, action, innovation or tool that holds a positive impact on the human mind is best; when used as a soft power to enhance people-to-people relations. In broader terms, cross-border state-level relations. The two neighboring countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, commonly practice Truck Art in South Asia. Therefore, collaborations in this sector can further bilateral relations between the two countries. Communicating through inscriptions or messages of peace and brotherhood can create a positive impact on the general public in both states.
