Art display highlighting dangers of extremism held at PNCA

Exhibition aimed to promote peace, tolerance and harmony

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peace Collective (PPC) - a project of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting- under its District Level Engagement Programme (DLEP), held an exhibition highlighting the need for intervention in four thematic areas; promoting safer charity, interfaith harmony, tolerance and enhancing resilience in society to prevail in the long fight against violent extremism.

The national exhibition showcased paintings by students from 24 universities across the country. Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Aashiq Awan inaugurated the event at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). The exhibition received over 3,000 entries from across the country and a jury of distinguished judges selected the best among them for display at PNCA.

The exhibition attracted crowds of art enthusiasts who expressed profound appreciation for the talent, drive and imagination of the young artists, who gave out important messages for peace, harmony and resilience against extremism through the paintbrush.

Wuhan artistes enthrall audience at PNCA

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Awan said, “I believe fine arts is an effective source of expression. Art is an equally effective medium of communication; a medium that leaves lasting impressions on hearts and minds.”  She emphasised on the need of educating the future generations about all forms of knowledge and media of expression. “Our children need both religious as well as contemporary education,” she said, “We need to be up-to-date with technology and modern innovation to be able to compete with contemporary world,” she added.

Pakistan Peace Collective (PPC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shabbir Anwar informed the audience about his organisation’s initiatives aimed at peace building and countering terrorism and violent extremism in the country. He expressed hope that the event will work towards achieving PPC’s long term ambition of recreating a peaceful and harmonious Pakistan. He thanked the participants and guests for making the event a success.

PNCA Director Jamal Shah, while addressing the audience said: “Art has long been known as a medium of conveying human emotions, aspirations and experiences. The excellent art pieces displayed in this exhibition are reflective of how our younger generation has been able to make their artistic endeavours a means of disseminating constructive messages for societal wellbeing.” The top three best paintings chosen by the jury were given cash prizes and certificates of appreciation.

PPC’s District Level Engagement Programme (DLEP) reaches out to different sections of society to sensitise them against violent extremism.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2019.