Painting on camel skin: Qatar emir to get special gift from PM

Portrait made by artist Hanif Khan was commissioned by ministry of information

ISLAMABAD: As a goodwill gesture, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who arrived in Islamabad Saturday, will be presented with a special portrait of himself by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The painting has been made on a camel skin vase by artist Hanif Khan.

It was commissioned to the prominent artist by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to promote bilateral and cultural ties between the two countries.



Speaking to The Express Tribune, Hanif said that the special task, assigned to him by the ministry's Lok Virsa department, was challenging but an honour for him.

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Hanif, who has been painting for years, said he also made a portrait of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

The artist said that he wanted to present the painting to the Qatari ruler himself; however, he was not granted permission due to security reasons.

"I am paid Rs20,000 for each portrait of prominent personalities... it requires a lot of rigorous work, and special colours are used which last up to 30 to 40 years," he said.