Missing paintings case resolved as KMC hands over artworks to Saifi Soomro

However, the artist has expressed concerns and hinted at legal action, demanding Rs1 million in royalties

KARACHI:

The mystery surrounding artist Saifi Soomro’s missing paintings has finally been resolved as the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) handed over the two artworks to him at Frere Hall on Monday.

However, Soomro has expressed concerns and hinted at legal action, demanding Rs1 million in royalties.

According to details, the paintings, which went missing during an exhibition at Frere Hall, became a viral topic on social media. Raza Abbas, Senior Director of Culture and Sports at KMC, handed over the paintings to Soomro in the presence of the media. Renowned artist Jimmy Engineer also presented Soomro with a cash reward.

During a press conference, Soomro voiced his concerns, stating, "I demand Rs1 million in royalties for the use of my artworks, or I reserve the right to pursue legal action." He explained that the paintings had disappeared when he was a final-year student, and despite efforts to locate them, they resurfaced only recently in a TV drama.

“I have no idea where my paintings have been used or how much revenue has been generated from them. If I find out they were profited from, I will take legal action,” Soomro added.

Raza Abbas confirmed that the issue had been resolved, saying, "Today, we have returned Safi’s paintings. The artworks were with us since 2017, and no revenue was generated from them."

Abbas also addressed claims of monetary demands, calling Soomro’s Rs1 million request "blackmail." He further clarified that KMC had made multiple efforts to return the paintings to Soomro but had not received a response until now.

The saga of the missing paintings began when Soomro’s artworks, exhibited in 2017 at Frere Hall, were reported lost but later spotted in a television drama. Following this, Soomro filed a police complaint, alleging theft of his artwork.

The KMC has now returned the paintings, with Soomro signing the receipt of their return, though the artist remains determined to pursue royalties.