Pakistan Prevails Against Terror And Celebrates Fashion

In Pakistan, a country where most women are required to keep covered in observance of Islamic dress codes, models walked down the catwalk for four days and displayed creations by local designers. Female models were seen wearing spiked jewelry and exposed tattoos; some men wore shorts and sequin tops.

Ayesha Tammy Haq, organizer of Pakistan's Fashion Week, called last Wednesday's event a "gesture of defiance to the Taliban."

Originally scheduled for October, the shows, held in Pakistan's financial capital Karachi and hosted at the city's Marriott Hotel, were delayed due to security fears and threats of militant violence. The city of Karachi is a valued target for militants because it is extremely cosmopolitan and known for its high-end shopping malls and popular cafe culture. Security measures were intensified for the events, according to police officials. Despite a spate of attacks blamed on Taliban militants that claimed more than 340 lives in October and November, the show went on.

"We, the members of Fasion Pakistan, feel great to host this colourful event at difficult times of our history when the entire nation is waging a battle against militancy," Haq told the AFP.

Local talent was more important than ever when it was realized that there would be no attendance by designers and models from abroad due to security reasons. Thirty-two designers from across Pakistan participated.