Must-Buys
Local specialities and unique finds

•  Bateel dates (the caviare of the date world) from the Marriott Hotel (once it reopens) – for the moment, pick them up in the duty free in Dubai if you have transit time there on your way out

•  Pashmina’s and rugs from Maharajah, who have an outlet in New York, and credit cards can be safely used there - (yes I know some ChI’s think they are over priced but this ChI always gets her special rates, and they have the best selection – and the credit card facility is useful. Bargain down by about one third, if you can. Shop 3, Block 8
Super Market, F-6 www.maharahahandicrafts.net

•  Carved wooden furniture, Uzbeck embroidered hangings from Pak-Turk Enterprises - (they will ship abroad – successfully) tel 051 265 0451 House 17B st 43 Islamabad F7/1

•  Kamni handpainted designer silks and chiffons (Fatima Hamid) – portable, contemporary, luxurious “works of art” tel +92 321 856 8197 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

•  Carefully-selected Swati furniture, beautifully sourced, restored and fully termite-treated, accessible via Fatima Hamid +92 321 856 8197 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 

•  In summer evenings, garlands of jasmine sold by the roadside, to put – not on the wrist or in the hair – but in an alabaster bowl, in your room, to scent it deliciously for 24h.