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Portrait of Wajih Mashadi in salwar kameez, waistcoat, and pakol

Wajih wears traditional attire shaped by the mountainous terrain, cold climate, and rich cultural heritage of northern Pakistan. His salwar kameez, the national dress, is paired with a waistcoat for extra warmth, reflecting the practical traditions of Pashtun and Balti cultures. The garments are crafted from wool and cotton, featuring distinctive embroidery that speaks to the region's textile artistry.

His pakol, a wide-brimmed woolen hat, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the north, worn to protect against wind and snow while marking cultural identity. Peshawari chappals, traditional open-toed sandals, complete the ensemble.

Together, these garments tell the story of a region where clothing is both function and heritage, designed to endure the elements while honoring the cultures that shaped them.

WAJIH MASHADI · SALWAR KAMEEZ, WAISTCOAT, AND PAKOL, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA AND GILGIT-BALTISTAN REGION, PAKISTAN · FROM A RECORDED CONVERSATION, 2026

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