The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 caused perhaps 3 million Afghans to flee to Pakistan, and with the refugees came a flood of rugs. The Russians are long gone from Afghanistan now, but there is still unrest in the country as the conservative religious forces of the Taliban stuggle to take effective control of the country. Many Afghans still prefer the safety of the border areas of northwestern Pakistan to life in Afghanistan, and the rug bazaars of Peshawar are still filled with goods. Rugs from Afghanistan divide generally into rugs woven by Afghan and rugs woven by Balouch weavers. Utilitarian weavings like door surrounds, saddlebags and animal trappings still appear.
Designs often employ rows of guls or small medallions.
Utilitarian weavings like saddlebags, bedding bags, and salt bags are also available. Many prayer rugs are woven.