Swat antiquarian's collection attracts tourists.

SWAT -- The large number of tourists visiting Salampur in Swat prompted a resident of the village to establish a cultural museum that attracted more visitors to the area.

Amir Khaliq, owner of a handicrafts shop in Salampur village, said that many tourists and locals visited his village to buy not only handloom woolen stuff but they were also interested in local culture and traditions.

'Salampur is famous for its handloom industry where a large number of tourists come to see and buy the stuff. Most often the tourists would ask about the local culture, traditions and many other things when they would visit my shop. Their interest in local culture put an idea in my mind to establish the museum,' he told this scribe.

Mr Khaliq said that he started collecting old traditional stuff including woolen shawls, handlooms, farming tools, wooden and stone made utensils, weapons, musical instruments, costumes, shoes, jewellery, household items, decoration pieces, furniture and many other things of local cultural heritage.

Amir Khaliq says his friends and local elders helped him in collecting artefacts

'When I realised that I collected enough cultural and traditional stuff used by local Yousafzai and other tribes, I established the museum and then got No Objection Certificate from the government,' he said. He added that his museum was visited by many locals and tourists.

Mr Khaliq said that he was excited that not only tourists took...