Nilofer Bibi is from the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunwha Province, located in the mountain areas bordering Afghanistan. She is representing the textile traditions of both the Swat and the Hazara, the plains area near the Indus River. Textiles of the Hazara region are known for their precise geometric patterns. Swat region textiles are less uniform and more freeform in design. The tribal variations in stitch, pattern and color are truly unique to this area. Richly-embroidered shawls, apparel and household linens are the most common items made by the women of this province.

Poetic Threads of Pakistan (PTOP) works with a network of artists to source handmade, high quality work that is fair trade compliant. PTOP primarily focuses on the Khyber Pakhtunwha Province because the artists have less access to markets, as well as limited mobility because the very conservative culture and tradition of the region prevents women from working outside the home. Widowed, divorced and single women have little opportunity to earn income, other than home-base textile arts.