World Democracy Day: Powerful images that project common identity

Photographic exhibition and seminar at Lok Virsa museum.


Mavra Bari September 16, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


Photographs of nature, striking close-ups of the young and old and heart-wrenching tales of survival, were some of the attractions that drew visitors at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum’s photo exhibition on Saturday. The event was held to commemorate the World Democracy Day.


Though the link between the two, democracy and a photographic exhibition, was not very clear, the event aimed to show the impact media can have on promoting and raising awareness about a fair and representative government.

“Pakistanis must be sensitised on how much impact their vote has,” said Munir Ahmed, director Development Communications Network (DEVCOM-Pakistan). “We want to show that democracy is ingrained in our society through these glimpses into our culture and to emphasise that it is not a Western concept,” he said.

Local village councils are a cultural legacy and an overriding democratic government is a natural evolution of the former, Ahmed added.

Photographs by some 75 photo-journalists were on display showcasing life and culture from across the country, celebrating diversity while acknowledging a common national identity. In addition to the exhibition, a seminar, “Democratic Future of Pakistan,” was also held.

Speaking at the discussion, former foreign secretary Akram Zaki said, “Democracy is the pathway to achieve social justice which is only possible by following the eastern discipline and code of conduct.” Zaki proposed that Pakistan should coin its own version of democracy or a system that suits its unique needs and realities.

Journalist Fouzia Shahid said despite several steps to secure the democratic rights of the people, the media has taken an ambivalent stance on a number of issues driven by commercial gains and viewer ratings.

The event was organised by Devcom-Pakistan in collaboration with Lok Virsa and the Islamabad Crescent Lions Club (ICLC).

The exhibition and seminar was a prelude to the upcoming National Culture for Democracy Festival which will be held at Lok Virsa from October 18 to 21. The photographs for the exhibition were provided by members of the Pakistan Association of Photojournalists.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2012.

COMMENTS (5)

Abdul Majid | 11 years ago | Reply

Pakistani Photo Journalists getting momentum and Photo Exhibition of Photo Journalists from Pakistan Association of Photo Journalists deserve to be encouraged. Very good work.

MOHAMMAD Zubair | 11 years ago | Reply

Pakistani Photo Journalists getting momentum and Photo Exhibition of Photo Journalists from Pakistan Association of Photo Journalists deserve to be encouraged. I think a lot of real work is needed for the freedom of Pakistani peoples. Well done PAPJ and good job Express Tribune for this report.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ