The Department of Islamic Art and Architecture, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and Youth Forum for Kashmir (YKF) have jointly organized an event “Kashmir conflict through Art” in connection with Kashmir Siege Day to commemorate and show solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
Purpose of organizing this exhibition is to highlight the Kashmir conflict through Art as a part of Youm-e-Istehsal activities. The participants of the competition highlighted different aspects of the Kashmir conflict through their paintings. YFK collaborated with the department of Islamic Art and Architecture IIUI for the award distribution ceremony which was held here at Allama Iqbal Auditorium, Faisal Mosque campus, IIU, Islamabad.
More than 250 participants from academia, politics, civil society and University students attended this event, while major national TV channels also covered this exhibition. On this occasion exhibitors were awarded prize money to first three position holders.
The speakers included Prof. Dr. Mohammad Zafar Iqbal, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, IIUI, Mr. Sheikh Mateen, Secretary General APHC, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director, COMSATS, Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, President IRS, Islamabad, Senator Sehar Kamran, Zaman Bajwa Executive Director YFK.
All Speakers agreed that the exhibition serves as a reminder that Art can be a powerful tool in raising awareness about important issues, sparking conversations, and fostering empathy. Chairperson of the Department of Islamic Arts and Architecture, IIUI Syed Zeeshan Haider, also spoke on the occasion.
The winners of the Painting Competition including Laiba Sherdil Peshawar secured first position, while Aroofa Mehfooz Islamabad and Zorain Irfan Lahore got second position, while Rehana Kausar Islamabad achieved third position. Meanwhile P.S. two paintings shared the second position.
Painting Exhibition: Kashmir Conflict through art was a resounding success, bringing together artists, academics, diplomats, and the media to commemorate the spirit of Youm-e-Istehsal and project the situation of Kashmir through soft diplomacy.