AkzoNobel transforms town in Pakistan with the power of paint

Residents of around 1,000 homes in the town of Mustafabad are benefiting from the cooling power of paint after AkzoNobel teamed up with the Akhuwat Foundation to carry out the company’s largest ever “Let’s Colour” project in Pakistan. 

With average summer temperatures in the region peaking close to 50^°C, the exteriors of the homes have been painted with Dulux Weathershield. The product features Keep Cool Technology, which can reduce surface temperatures by up to 5^°C.  
A number of community spaces have also been revitalized, with a team of 26 painters and mural artists – together with 41 AkzoNobel volunteers – working on the overall project for more than four months. They used 8,250 litres of Dulux paint, with 6,000 residents being introduced to a new world of colour.  
“We’re very proud to see the positive impact and tangible difference this ‘Let’s Colour’ project has made to the local community,” says Mubbasher Omar, Chief Executive Officer of AkzoNobel Pakistan Limited. “The transformation has instilled a renewed sense of pride and we’re excited to have painted a more vibrant future for Mustafabad.” 

Adds Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, founder of the Akhuwat Foundation – world’s largest interest-free microfinance organisation focused on alleviating poverty: “We were delighted to partner with AkzoNobel on this important community led social initiative. The work that has been carried out reflects many of the pillars on which our own philosophy is based and will spark renewed hope in the residents, whose town has been given a vibrant new identity.” 
AkzoNobel’s colour experts chose 51 hues from the exhaustive range of more than 2,000 available shades of Dulux paints in Pakistan. From nurturing greens and welcoming yellows, to exuberant reds and tranquil blues, each one was carefully selected to inspire the residents and create living spaces that are more fun and enjoyable. 
The outdoor murals in particular help to connect the community by celebrating their cultural diversity and shared heritage. Themes depicted in the designs include the power of education and the wonders of the natural world. Meanwhile, a previously neglected area of the town has now been transformed into a welcoming evening gathering place.  
AkzoNobel carried out a similar project in Jodhpur, India, in 2022. As well as painting the exteriors of around 250 homes in the famous Blue City, the roofs of more than 100 houses were coated with Dulux Weathershield Protect. 
The company’s “Let’s Colour” initiative was launched in 2009. To date, more than 3,000 projects have taken place, with over 2.2 million liters of paint being donated all over the world.