Staff Reporter
Islamabad: The book launch and photo exhibition KASHMIR. WAIT & SEE by internationally acclaimed Belgian documentary photographer and filmmaker Cédric Gerbehaye concluded at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The exhibition was organized by the Pakistan Photo Festival (PPF) in collaboration with PNCA and Kashmir Council EU, underscoring a collective commitment to visual storytelling, humanitarian advocacy, and cross-cultural dialogue.
The closing ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Eng. Amir Muqam, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Former Senator Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed, Director General PNCA Mr. Muhammad Ayoub Jammali, along with diplomats, senior government officials, artists, photographers, academics, students, and members of civil society. The ceremony included remarks by distinguished guests and organizers, followed by a curated walkthrough of the exhibition.
Addressing the audience, Federal Minister Amir Muqam commended the exhibition for powerfully portraying the humanitarian realities of Kashmir and for giving voice to the lived experiences of the Kashmiri people through visual art. He stated that KASHMIR. WAIT & SEE successfully highlights the issue beyond political boundaries, framing it as a global humanitarian concern. The Federal Minister expressed his appreciation to Director General PNCA Muhammad Ayoub Jammali and the PNCA team for facilitating and supporting the exhibition, and emphasized the need for the United Nations to play an effective and decisive role in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with international resolutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi lauded the artistic vision of Cédric Gerbehaye and appreciated the efforts of Kashmir Council EU for presenting a compelling visual narrative on Kashmir. He reaffirmed that Pakistan has always stood, and will continue to stand, firmly with the Kashmiri people in their just struggle. The Governor noted that after Marka-e-Haq, the global community has increasingly recognized Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir, adding that Pakistan continues to highlight the Kashmir issue with greater clarity and emphasis at international forums.
KASHMIR. WAIT & SEE explores themes of human rights, collective memory, and the human condition through long-term photographic narratives. Cédric Gerbehaye is the author of several acclaimed publications and a recipient of major international honors, including the World Press Photo Award and the Amnesty International Media Award.
Founded in 2016 by Shah Zaman Baloch, the Pakistan Photo Festival (PPF) promotes photographic culture through exhibitions, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, while Kashmir Council EU works to raise awareness on Kashmir and encourage dialogue for peace through advocacy and cultural engagement.
