Pakistan is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and abundant natural resources. From its northern mountain ranges to southern coastal regions, our country offers a variety of geographical and cultural experiences. The population reflects multiple ethnic groups, languages and traditions, contributing to a complex and dynamic national identity.

And what about its roads? Well, they are noisy in big cities with all kinds of traffic flow, yet relatively calm in smaller cities or suburbs, where not everyone can afford vehicles.

What’s common across the country is the mode of business transportation — goods being moved in vans, dumpers, trailers and trucks. People continue their daily routines and businesses amidst this constant flow of commerce. But have you ever truly noticed those huge monstrous trucks? They are marvels of transport; in fact, they are marvels of art and culture.

Yes, trucks in our part of the world hold not just great fame, but also fascination for people from all around the world. While these trucks are a common sight on the motorways and highways, they can also be spotted in the hustle bustle of everyday road life in towns and cities.

There is no doubt that these decorated trucks are moving pieces of art, showcasing the country’s vibrant culture. I have always found each truck to be a unique canvas — adorned with everything from simple designs to complex ones, detailed paintings, calligraphy and poetry. It always leaves me speechless at the mastery of Pakistani craftsmanship and artistic expression and, above all wondering, how deeply the artisans have worked on a single truck.

Truck art tradition has become so distinctive that it has gained international recognition and appreciation. Its vibrant and artistic adornment sets our public transport apart from the rest of the world.

Because these are not boring trucks — I mean, seriously, if you haven’t noticed them yet, you have to see them to believe it. These rolling art galleries are covered in everything from flowers, birds, animals, spiritual symbols and portraits of famous figures to poetry and impressive calligraphy. Every truck becomes a moving work of art, showcasing the skill and imagination of local artisans who pour their hearts into every stroke and detail.

By the way, the craftsmanship doesn’t end here, these trucks are adorned with special jewellery, designed specifically for them — seriously! With jingling tassels, mirrors, chains, flower garlands and hanging vibrant clothing (mufflers or scarves, if I am not wrong), I must say the trucks in Pakistan are more than mere goods’ transport — they are cultural ambassadors on the road, carrying goods and connecting people across distances and proudly displaying the nation’s artistic spirit.

The origin and history

Truck art originated in the 1940s when haulage trucks first made their debut on the streets of South Asia. The trucks built for functionality soon became the canvas for skilled artisans as they put in their hard work and mastery of art onto the metal frame.

The initial designs were simple, but over time they became more vibrant and complex. By the 1950s, trucks were not just transport vehicles but also served cultural and ceremonial purposes. Floral patterns remained ideal, adorned with birds, animals, human figures and poetic verses.

In the 1960s and 70s, truck art flourished with the growth of Pakistan’s transportation networks. The film industry also influenced the imagery, with portraits of celebrities were painted.

However, as times changed, technology advanced, social media exploded under a wave of global recognition and truck art found a new platform to shine. What was once a local tradition, appreciated mainly by those who saw these trucks on the roads, suddenly became a symbol of Pakistan’s vibrant culture on an international scale. Social media, art exhibitions and tourism played a huge role in bringing this unique art form into the limelight.

Today, truck art is no longer limited to vehicles — it has made its way into fashion, home décor and even global art installations, proving that this once roadside craft has evolved into a celebrated artistic movement. I know many of you love those funky colours and intricate patterns, like eyes with a static gaze, a pigeon soaring in the blue sky, an open rose, a lotus flower, a peacock or a breathtaking view of a valley. All of these now come under one umbrella term, ‘truck art.’

This art has inspired and captivated so many people that it has spread across the world, and in many countries — including ours — truck art-inspired cafés and shops are now considered some of the trendiest spots to visit. Clothing with truck art patterns has also become popular, along with truck art-themed canvases, mugs, plates, portraits, keychains, bags and much more.

Let’s explore what lies behind this art, what makes it unique and what techniques and elements contribute to its charm.

Themes and motifs

Truck art often follows a distinct theme. If you notice, many designs feature flowers, such as lotuses, roses and jasmine, set against contrasting backgrounds — these are quintessential elements of the art form. Sometimes, animals like the markhor or the peacock, royal Bengal tiger and folk heroes are depicted.

Some trucks also showcase calligraphic portrayals, displaying the truck driver’s name in bold lettering. Sometimes, religious themes, such as mosques and tombs of sufi saints, and on the entertainment side, portraits of popular Pakistani film actors, male or female, are also a common theme of painting.

Techniques and styles

The process begins with master artists known as ‘ustad,’ who employ vibrant colours like orange, yellow, green and blue that create eye-catching base layers and serve as the foundation for more detailed complex work. These artists utilise specialised curved brushes for detailed hand painting, applying multiple layers.

The techniques employed are diverse and sophisticated. Artists often incorporate reverse glass painting, known as ‘parchin kari,’ which creates stunning mirror work effects.

They use stencils for consistent patterns and borders, while metallic paints add sparkle and dimension to specific elements.

What truly sets Pakistani truck art apart is its three-dimensional aspect. Beyond the painted surfaces, trucks are adorned with hammered steel or brass decorations, carefully arranged mirrors, wooden carvings on doors and panels, and decorative chains that create musical jingling sounds as the truck moves. Sometimes there are crown decorations and elaborate metal structures mounted on the truck’s top.

The use of chamakpatti (shiny stickers) is also very common, and for a good reason. While these stickers create beautiful patterns and designs, their main purpose is functionality — when light falls on them, they reflect it, even if the truck’s lights are not working. The chamakpatti along the borders and edges highlights the vehicle’s length and grandeur, making it more visible on the road to the traffic.

Each region of the country showcases its own signature style. Trucks adorned in the rural areas of Sindh feature sufi poets, leaders, regional flowers and scenic views of valleys. In Punjab and Balochistan, trucks are often painted with scenic views and geometric patterns. Peshawar’s truck artists, on the other hand, are renowned for their bold calligraphy, geometric patterns and also woodwork.

Believe it or not, this artistic tradition is carefully preserved and passed down through generations, with apprentices spending years learning from master artists, ensuring that each truck becomes not just a vehicle, but a unique celebration of Pakistani cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

Artisans and the process

First, workers finish all the metal and wood parts of the truck. This must be done before any painting can start. Then, special artists called ‘naqqashes’ do the painting. These artists learn their skills by training for many years under experienced painters. The painting takes a long time — usually several weeks — because the artists carefully add many layers of bright patterns and designs, one after another.

Preservation efforts

With the rise of modern transportation, there are concerns about the future of this traditional art. Various organisations are working to recognise, preserve and promote truck art, with dedicated programmes aimed at keeping this tradition alive. These efforts include archiving designs, supporting artisans and incorporating truck art into educational programmes.

So, if you see this moving work of art on the road, don’t forget to appreciate the artisans’ hard work in the smallest of details and the grandest of designs. What began as a tradition among transporters has now evolved into a recognised art form, earning global recognition. So, take a moment to appreciate the unique talent of the people who bring this vibrant art to life.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 15th, 2025