142nd birth anniversary: Rare photographs of Quaid-i-Azam go on display

Art competition for students sees winners

ISLAMABAD: With the 142nd birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah around the corner, an exhibition showcasing rare photographs and portraits of the nation’s founder, have been drawing large crowds.

Called “Hamara Quaid”, arranged by the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications in collaboration with Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) is part of birth anniversary celebrations of Quaid-i-Azam.



The exhibition aims at educating the younger generation about the struggle and sacrifices of the founder of the nation for acquiring a separate homeland for Muslims. The exhibit had been inaugurated by the Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Over 300 photographs, portraits and paintings of the Quaid-i-Azam were displayed at the exhibition portraying various snapshots from his life, including educational, social and political life apart from his struggle for the creation of Pakistan.

A large number of art lovers, students, researchers and general public thronged the Quaid Gallery and its adjacent lobbies on Friday to catch a glimpse of the rare pictures and paintings of Quaid-i-Azam.

Ali Husnain, a student of grade 10, who was visiting along with hundreds of other students from different schools of Islamabad, said that the exhibition provided him with an opportunity to see the different aspects of Quaid-i-Azam’s life and achievements.

The exhibition was divided into three categories including a display of 200 rare photographs, and paintings under the title “Mera Pakistan” with support from the Mansoor Rahi Gallery. The third category was a prize competition on portraits of Quaid painted by students.

The rare camera photographs of Quaid-i-Azam depicted life, history, family and political life of Quaid-i-Azam. The professional photographs and paintings provided an insight into historical places such as Badshahi Mosque and Hiran Minar Sheikhupura and scenic beauty, rivers, crops, and mountains.

The prize competition on Quaid’ portrait was divided into two categories, including primary to secondary level students and secondary to higher level students.

In the junior category, Muqqadas clinched the first prize. Ebba Wahid was adjudged to be second and Irum Sadaf obtained the third prize. In the senior category, Hadiqa Aamir got the first, Sharmeen second and Aisha Zahid bagged the third prize. The competition had been judged by Aania Khan from Mansoor Rahi Gallery, Naheeda Raza from Jharoka Gallery and Shireen Gheba Najib from Shireen Studios.



The winners were given certificates and cash prizes on the occasion.

Talking to APP, NPC Vice Chairman Mian Muhammad Javed said that the main objective behind the activity was to educate the people about the struggle of Quaid-i-Azam and other leaders for securing a separate country and pay tribute to Jinnah for his contributions.

“We all have to join our hands to make the Pakistan which Quaid wanted to make.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2017.