Voice of Kashmir: Photo exhibition seeks to revive commitment

Over 300 pictures of historic struggle on show at Alhamra till 5th.

LAHORE: More than 300 pictures depicting the events in Kashmir since 1947 went on display at the Alhamra Arts Council on Thursday.

Organisers said the exhibition of stark photos was an effort to generate greater attention for the Kashmir issue, which they felt had been ignored in recent years.

“These pictures show the true events and the sufferings that the people of Kashmir have faced for many years,” said Rana Mehmood, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir information minister and chief guest. “We cannot forget their sacrifices. Peace is the only solution that one feels is suitable after looking at these pictures.”

The Voice of Kashmir exhibition, which displays photos published in various local and international newspapers and other news media, was organised by the Unified Media Club of Pakistan and will run till February 5, which is Kashmir Day.

Wajid Zulqarnain, one of the organisers, said the exhibition aimed to seek help for Kashmiris.

“It’s important that we be there for them. We realise that this problem has lost attention and we are trying to revive the cause of peace in Kashmir,” he said.

Many of the visitors to the exhibition were students, such as Fatima Habib. She said the exhibition reminded people that the Kashmir issue was still a major problem. “Our personal problems have taken our attention away from the Kashmir issue. The situation there is worse than in our cities,” she said.

The exhibition was concluded by Rana Mashood, the Punjab Assembly deputy speaker. MPAs Sajida Mir, Ajasim Sharif, Tariq Mehmood Bajwa and Mian Naseer also attended the exhibition.

Punjab Governor Latif Khosa and Senior Advisor to the CM Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa are to attend the exhibit on Kashmir Day.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2011.