Mazar-e-Sharif was treated to a touch of glamour on Tuesday night when Haqiqi designers held a fashion show to mark the opening of their new store in the Balkh city.

Showcasing traditional clothes, from different ethnic groups, models, both male and female, took to the runway in their colorful outfits.

The fashion show was held in a city park and attended by an assortment of local residents, including artists, writers, and civil society activists.

Ajmal Haqiqi, who organized the event, said: “The world has a grim picture of Afghanistan, a picture of war, violence, Taliban, Daesh, suicide attacks and explosions. We want to prove that we have a history of 5,000 years.”

In line with this, Haqiqi’s designs included traditional menswear such as the chapan and shawls, as well as women’s clothing.

Haqiqi  said it had been his aim to bring families to the event – including children.

Nilab Azamzada, one of the models, said they wanted to raise public awareness around sensitive issues relating to modeling and cultural affairs.

“Our goal is to improve the real culture of Afghanistan. We will stand against any challenge whether it is insecurity, inconvenience (from people) and others,” she said.

“Our goal is to promote Afghanistan’s 5,000 years of culture,” said Omid Arman, another model.

Guests attending the show were enthralled and welcomed the move. Many said such shows should be held more often so as to promote the garment industry.

“The program was conducted in a friendly environment. We hope that all ethnic groups in Afghanistan will live in unity and embrace tolerance,” said Ziaullah, a resident of Balkh.