Mughal, British era artifacts on display

Centuries old historical locks, watches, timepieces, swords part of show

RAWALPINDI:

Mughal and British era artifacts collected by Farooq Riaz were put on display at an exhibition at Punjab Arts Council on Wednesday.

Centuries old historical locks, watches, timepieces, swords, musical instruments, lamps, pots, coins, currency notes, postcards, stamps, historical documents, guns, swords and spears, video and still cameras are part of the show.

Rawalpindi Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Abdullah Mahmood and Punjab Arts Council Director Waqar Ahmad inaugurated the exhibition.

Looking at the artifacts during his tour of the show, Mahmood said that every society has its own traditions, civilisation and culture. "The culture of any region, nation or country is its historical interpreter. No society can remain connected to its history without preserving its culture. We should be proud that our cultural heritage is very strong," he said. Riaz has taken care of the heritage for which he appreciated him wholeheartedly, he added.

"I have spent 28 years of my life collecting ancient artifacts. People are not aware about all things old which is why they do not know their value," he said. The purpose of the exhibition is to raise this awareness among people about the value of old things, he added.

Punjab Arts Council Director Waqar Ahmed said that the council has always nurtured talent. Dozens of artists have made the name of Pakistan internationally known by using the platform of the Punjab Arts Council, he said. The exhibition will continue till Friday (today).

On Thursday, Punjab Arts Council Thursday organised Mehfil-e-Naat and Qirat in collaboration with International Quran Research Academy.

The event was presided over by prominent educationist Muhammad Fazil Lodhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Lodhi said that there is no count on the blessings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW); wherever the name of the Prophet (SAW) is mentioned, the benefits of Allah will be incalculable.

"We are fortunate that Allah has created us in the Ummah of His Beloved Prophet (SAW). In today's gathering, the lovers of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) proved that our life is incomplete without love for Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims are at a loss without the love of the Prophet (SAW), and the only way to succeed in this world and the Hereafter is the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW)," he added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2022.