Pakistan Goods and Public Transport are particularly famous for their primitive art which is performed on the bodies of the lorries and trucks. You’ll hardly see any truck or lorry without the traditional decoration of colorful flora, fauna and calligraphy. This form of art is commonly referred as the Pakistani Truck Art and this fantastic art tradition dates back to the British governing era over the Indian Sub Continent when the horse drawn carriages for the high class people were embellished by the craftsmen. These decorated buses, trucks or lorries are beautified from bumper to bumper with phenomenal and captivating artistry.

A decorated Truck in Pakistan. Image: Anser

The owners of the goods transports in Pakistan spend huge amount on the enrichment of their trucks and trolleys; not only on their exquisite designs but also on their structural alterations. Nowadays, almost in every major city of Pakistan, there are several bedecking centers and decors where this splendid truck art is executed.

A Fantastic Tuck in Pakistan ( An image by Lili )

In some way these trucks also represent their respective locations and cultures. Although in many parts of the world the vehicles are renovated but the Pakistani Truck Art is so unique in its layout and designing.

The decorated buses in Pakistan ( Image : Jeff Boucher )

Sometimes the art display also includes the mirror work on the front and back of the vehicles and similarly the wooden carvings are also used on the truck doors. Nowadays many other materials like tinsel, plastic and reflective tapes are also introduced in the decorative components. Some trucks are also having enchanting chains annexed with the bumpers and when they move they make jingle bells voice. We can also see large, three-dimensional models of birds or animals attached to the side of some of the trucks. The viewing deck of the trucks which is built right on the top of the driver’s cab is also adorned with grace. These decks are also used to load the extra luggage and as the sleeping place for the truck staff.

The driver's cabin of a Pakistani Truck ( Image: Ishtiaq Ahmad )

Would you believe that most of the artists who elaborate this art on the trucks and other vehicles have not attained any formal art training or education, but they use their own imagination and skills for their creativeness. Sometimes, they also depict the historic events and also draw the sketches of the famous personalities. The Pakistani Truck Art also includes the calligraphy of poetic verses, prayers and humorous quotes. The talented artists complete their art work on the truck bodies normally within two weeks.

A Paskistani Truck Artist busy in his work ( AP Photo )