Photography exhibit calls for environmental action

Highlights delicate beauty of G-B’s valleys; stresses environmental stewardship

ISLAMABAD:

The Gilgit-Baltistan government in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) recently hosted a photography exhibition “Listen To Her - Whispers of the Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan”. The exhibition portrayed the work of renowned visual artist and activist Zaheer Chaudhry

Curated by Aasim Akhter, the exhibition aimed to highlight the fragile beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan’s valleys through the lens of environmental stewardship

Renowned Mountaineer/Climber Shehroze Kashif, Mountaineer/Climber Sirbaz Khan and Historian and Travel Writer Salman Rashid shared their thoughts on the significance of the exhibition and the pressing need for environmental conservation.

G-B Secretary Finance Aziz Ahmed Jamali and PNCA Director-General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali Director General PNCA were also present during the inauguration ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Mountaineer Shehroze Kashif said, “Zaheer Chaudhry’s photographs vividly capture the breathtaking beauty and the urgent plight of Gilgit-Baltistan’s natural landscape. This exhibition is a poignant reminder of our duty to protect these treasures for future generations.”

Aasim Akhtar, the Curator of the exhibition said, “Curating 'Listen To Her - Whispers of the Valley’ has been a deeply rewarding experience. Zaheer’s work not only highlights the splendour of Gilgit-Baltistan but also serves as an urgent call to action. We must listen to the whispers of the valley and respond with empathy and determination to safeguard our environment.”

Zaheer Chaudhry said, “My journey through the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan has been one of profound learning and reflection. Each photograph in this exhibition tells a story of nature’s beauty and its fragility. I hope these images inspire others to take action towards preserving our environment. Our land is not just a physical space; it is our heritage and our future.”

Born and raised in the ancient town of Ajudhan (Pakpattan), Zaheer Chaudhry graduated from Govt College University and the National College of Arts, Lahore.

With a deep connection to his land, Zaheer has immersed himself in photographing and studying historical records to understand how beliefs, rituals, myths, and diverse weather have shaped the lives of native people.

His professional career includes capturing over 100,000 travel visual stories, engaging in contemporary art practices, designing space and communication, and developing discourse at the intersection of environment and art.

He is known for planting trees as living sculptures and claims to be the most-viewed photographer in Pakistan, with over 500 photography exhibitions reaching more than 150,000 viewers.