Staff Reporter
Peshawar: An exclusive exhibition of Asma-ul-Husna and Quranic verses by renowned modern Islamic painter and calligrapher Naushad-ur-Rehman from Karachi was held at Nishtar Hall, Peshawar, under the auspices of the Pakistan Directors, Producers, Writers and Artists Association (registered). More than 70 artworks were displayed and highly appreciated by the visitors.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Habibullah Arif, Director General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority. The opening ceremony was simple yet dignified. On this occasion, Chairman of PDPWAA, Sajjad Ali Orakzai, briefed the chief guest about the issues faced by the province’s artists, particularly visual artists. He also presented recommendations regarding the establishment of a permanent art gallery, promotion of local artists at national and international levels, and the welfare of the artist community.
The chief guest apologized for arriving late due to professional commitments and announced that another joint program would soon be organized with PDPWAA. He also announced that the existing art gallery at Nishtar Hall would be made permanently functional, and shared good news that progress would soon begin on building a permanent art gallery based on the submitted proposal.
During the ceremony, the chief guest was presented with a traditional shawl, cap, and a beautiful painting. Prominent personalities of the province—including Ms. Naz Parveen (Director China Window), Ms. Naveed Shabbir (renowned painter), Dr. Niaz Ali Khan (Chairman Artists Action Foundation), Muhammad Ali Syed (GM Tourism), Muhammad Sher Khan (Director Mohmand Dam), and Waseem Khan (Section Officer, Culture)—were also presented paintings as gifts. A special painting for the Secretary Culture and Tourism was received by Waseem Khan.
The colorful event concluded with a tea reception, and the exhibition will remain open to the public today as well.
