The green flag unfurled: a pictorial account

RAC organised a photo exhibition, displaying pictures of freedom fighters and leaders on the eve of Independence Day.

RAWALPINDI:

Actions etched in history or, more specifically, on celluloid were put up on display at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Saturday. The council organised a photo exhibition to mark the 64th Independence Day.

Pakistan Green Task Force President Dr Jamal Nasir inaugurated the exhibition which was attended by a large number of mostly young people.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said that the exhibition aims to provide residents of the twin cities the opportunity to revisit history on the eve of August 14.

More then 100 pictures are on display, depicting the struggle of freedom fighters under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The exhibition also features pictures of other independence heroes such as Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Liaquat Ali Khan, Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Snapshots of Jinnah with different European delegates including Stafford Cripps and Lord Mountbatten from the year 1942 also formed part of the collection.

“The collection took me back in time and reminded how patriotic and dedicated people were back then, I wish every Pakistani would follow in their footsteps,” said the 85-year-old Jahandad Khan.

The exhibition also includes a picture of Jinnah’s first speech as Governor-General of the newly-born state on August 15, 1947.

Other photographs show refugee convoys and the brutalities they had to endure to get to Pakistan.

“These photographs made me realise that freedom is a blessing and the extent of the sacrifices our forefathers made for us; we should show our appreciation by following in their footsteps,’’ said Anum Zara, a visitor.

(Read: Keep the flag of hope flying)

Appreciating the photographs, Dr Jamal Nasir said, “Our duty is to follow our leaders and make Pakistan a progressive, liberal and sovereign state.”

The exhibition will continue till August 17.



Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2011.