NEW YORK - Some 50 specimen of exquisite Pakistani carpets and rugs, combing tradition and modernism, are on display at an exhibition opened at the Pakistan Consulate-General here the other day. A large number of Pakistanis from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut visited the exhibition, which was inaugurated by Pakistans Consul General Babar Hashmi. Handmade carpets made in Pakistan are pieces of art, Hashmi told the gathering of the exhibits from all provinces of the country. What distinguishes oriental Pakistani rugs from the run-of-the-mill machine-made variety, are their inimitable style, warmth and beauty and above all the individuality which the touch of human hands lends it. Pakistan, he said, is blessed with highly skilled artists who have the ability to produce any kind of carpet. Hashmi said Pakistans exports - usually ranging from 250 to 300 million dollars a year - were adversely impacted by the global economic downturn and difficult regional situation. The exports last year declined to 155 million dollars. He expressed hope that as the US economy rebounds, Pakistans carpet industry would recover its lost ground. A number of importers of Pakistani carpets were at hand to explain to the people the work done on some of the finest craftsmanship of the Pakistani artists.