Pakistan Day Supplement by MM

Pakistan Day Supplement

Friday, March 23, 2012

Pakistan needs to strengthen the principles of mutual tolerance

Constitution restored M

eventy-two years ago, on this day, the Muslims of the subcontinent formally committed through a resolution to work for achieving a separate homeland for themselves. With the blessings of Allah and through the heroic struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the founding fathers, the Muslims of the subcontinent achieved their objective on Aug. 14, 1947, within a short span of seven years of the expression of their resolve. Our founding fathers had resolved to carve out an independent state where there will be democracy and where constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme. Unfortunately, successive dictators tried to stifle the democratic aspirations of the people. Constitutionalism and rule of law was trampled by dictators sometime under the doctrine of necessity and sometime under the theory of successful revolution. The unanimous Constitution of 1973 was disfigured by successive dictators to suit their own political ambitions. But the democratic aspirations could never be killed. On the eve of Pakistan Day this year, it is reassuring to realize that the Parliament has successfully removed the vestiges of dictatorship and restored the democratic Constitution of Pakistan. On this day let us resolve that we will not permit any dictator to usurp the basic fundamental rights of our people nor allow them to trample on our democratic aspirations. This requires that we work in the spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation and respect for dissent. Let us also resolve that we will uphold

the Constitution and never allow it to be abrogated, subverted or held in abeyance. It is also important to uphold the independence of judiciary in accordance with the Constitution. Unless there is rule of law and everyone is equal before law and unless we all work within the constitutionally defined parameters, stability will elude us. I hope that the Parliament, the people and all institutions of the state will work in harmony toward this end. I pray to Almighty Allah to bless our efforts to prove ourselves worthy of the heritage bequeathed to us by the Quaid-e-Azam. Asif Ali Zardari President of Pakistan

arch 23 is a landmark day in the history of Pakistan when Muslims of the Indian subcontinent adopted the historic Lahore Resolution put forth by A.K. Fazalul Haq on March 23, 1940 at the famous Minto Park (now Minar-e-Pakistan) in the 27th annual meeting of All-India Muslim League. This resolution gave an ideal to Muslims and united them for the attainment of a shared objective. It was such an epoch-making event, which changed the course of history for the Indian Muslims. The resolution demanded the establishment of a separate state based on the higher ideals of Islamic social justice and human compassion. In his concluding remarks, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah described the event as a milestone in the history of Hindustan. He said that the more the Muslims organized themselves the more they would get closer to their destination. Though Allama Muhammad Iqbal, poet-philosopher, gave an idea for the establishment of a separate homeland in his famous Allahabad address in 1930, there was still a need of a visionary leader to translate this concept into reality. The Quaid-e-Azam, endowed with the qualities of statesmanship, rose to the occasion to steer the ship of the Muslims from the tempest it was stuck in. Renowned American historian Stanley Wolpert has paid a glowing and befitting tribute to his leadership with these words, “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three.” The Quaid-e-Azam said to his Secretary

Nation has come long way since independence

n the auspicious occasion of 72nd National Day of Pakistan, I wish to extend my heartiest felicitations to the Pakistan community in Saudi Arabia. This day has a special significance for the people of Pakistan. On this day, the Muslims of South Asia passed a historic resolution to create a separate homeland where they could lead their lives according to their faith and aspirations. Pakistan has come a long way as an independent, strong and Islamic state. With its democratic government, independent judiciary, thriving and free media, and vibrant and literate civil society, Pakistan is an important member of the world community today. Our large pool of trained and experienced engineers, bankers, lawyers and other professionals with substantial international experience is an asset for Pakistan. Pakistan’s contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the world can hardly be matched by any other state. It is one of the largest contributors to the international forces for maintenance of peace and security around the globe. As a frontline state in the fight against terror, we have paid a heavy price in terms of

loss of precious lives and billions of dollars to the economy. Thousands of our innocent people and valiant soldiers have laid down their lives in the noble cause. Even our beloved leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto also laid down her life as a martyr at the hands of terrorists. But this has only made us more determined and resolute. We are proud of our special relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Based on the solid foundations of Islamic identity, common historical experiences, commonality of perceptions on all national and international issues, these relations continue to gain strength with each passing day. We have a special love and reverence for Saudi Arabia, the holy land. The government and people of Pakistan have deep love and profound respect for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Naif, the royal family and the government and people of Saudi Arabia. We take pride in the contributions made by the Pakistan community in the Kingdom toward its progress and prosperity. It has acted as a strong bridge between the two countries. I am confident that the Pakistani community will continue to play its role in further cementing bonds of fraternity and friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. I am sanguine that the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will continue to grow in the coming years. Long live Pakistan Long live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship. Muhammad Naeem Khan Ambassador of Pakistan

On fast track of progress and development

wish to congratulate all Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Western region, on this auspicious occasion of the National Day of Pakistan. On this day, the Muslims of the subcontinent through a formal resolution expressed their firm resolve to achieve a separate homeland for themselves wherein they could fashion their lives in accordance with their own values, culture, mores and traditions. With the blessings of Almighty Allah and through an unprecedented struggle, the Muslims of the subcontinent achieved their lofty objective within a short span of seven years. This day also makes us ponder, as being inheritors of the ideology of the Pakistan, whether we have followed the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam? We must acknowledge that there is room for making a much bigger footprint in the development and prosperity of Pakistan. I also take this opportunity to reiterate my heartfelt gratitude to the people and

leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on their consistent and active support in stability and development of Pakistan. The fraternal relations which exist between our two communities cannot be explained in words. These are time tested and deep rooted. The government of Pakistan is today making all efforts to put the country on a rapid track of progress and development. The recently held Senate elections were yet another important milestone achieved by the present government. It is also incumbent on us as overseas Pakistanis to wholeheartedly work for prosperity and progress of Saudi Arabia. Our sincere work can consolidate our already strong strategic relationship. Let us renew our commitment to further enhance Pakistan’s brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia. In the end, I would like every Pakistani to reaffirm his/her commitment toward realization of political, social and economic tenets on which

our homeland was founded. I pray to Almighty Allah to bless our efforts to prove ourselves worthy of the heritage bequeathed to us by the Quaid-eAzam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan Zindabad Abdul Salik Khan Consul General of Pakistan

Matloob-ul-Hassan after the approval of the Lahore Resolution, “Iqbal is not present amongst us today. Had he been alive, he would have been happy to know that we fulfilled his desire.” The British imperialists and the Hindu leadership were both opposed to the establishment of a separate state and wanted to keep the subcontinent united at all costs. The Quaid-e-Azam remained steadfast in his demand that no solution of the Indian political and constitutional problem except the creation of a new sate would be acceptable to the Muslims. He believed that in a united India, the Muslims would be relegated to the status of second-class citizens. So he waged a determined struggle to carve out a state where the Muslims could live their individual and collective life in accordance with their traditions. While delivering a speech in Peshawar on Nov. 24, 1945, the Quaid-e-Azam said: “Our religion, our culture, and Islamic ideals are our driving force to achieve independence. Pakistan not only means freedom and independence but the Muslim ideology which has to be preserved.” He was of the considered view that the European model of democracy was not applicable to united India as it would provide the majority with an opportunity to establish its government and the minorities would become subjugated. The Lahore Resolution, which was later on very rightly described as Pakistan Resolution, changed the destiny of the Indian Muslims. It gave an impetus to their struggle and fired their passion to realize the dream of a separate state. This explains why Pakistan came into being as the largest Islamic state on the map of the world within a short span of seven years

in 1947. Today, Pakistan as a flourishing democracy enjoys an honorable place in the comity of nations. The present democratic government is committed to preserving our great cultural heritage, distinct political and civilizational identity in the light of the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Shaheed Zulifkar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. We are making earnest efforts to bring about economic and social revolution in keeping with the spirit of the Pakistan Resolution. The government revived the Constitution of 1973 in its original form by deleting the dictatorial insertions from it. We undertook broad-based reforms in political, legislative and administrative domains which include the 18th, 19th and 20th Constitutional Amendments, empowerment of women, the 7th NFC Award, self-governance to Gilgit-Baltistan,

deletion of Concurrent List, devolution of power to federating units, and revival of Council of Common Interest etc. In an effort to address the longstanding grievances of the Baloch people and remove their sense of deprivation, the democratic government introduced Aagaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Initiative to mainstream the role of the Baloch in national development. The government has just completed its fourth year in office and the success of a coalition government owes itself to the policy of reconciliation and consensus espoused by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Though we did encounter a few problems on the way, but we did not allow these hurdles to hamper our march toward progress and development, for which the entire nation deserves to be congratulated. March 23 is not only a day of celebration but also an opportunity to reiterate our pledge to keep working hard for the attainment of the objectives contained in the Pakistan Resolution. On this auspicious occasion, we pledge to uphold the supremacy of democracy and rule of law at every cost. We need to strengthen the principles of mutual tolerance, brotherhood and reconciliation to foster unity in our ranks. We have to strengthen our national security and independence in accordance with our national aspirations. The Day demands of us to revive the spirit of Pakistan Movement in its entirety. I pray to Allah Almighty to enable us to protect Pakistan and put it on the rails of progress and prosperity. (Ameen) Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani Prime Minister of Pakistan

pakistan day supplement

Friday, March 23, 2012

Art and crafts in Pakistan Shafique ur Rehman

roducing art and crafts are an indelible part of the human ethos. From time immemorial — and in all human societies and cultures — human beings have striven to produce both. Pakistan being no exception, art and crafts have flourished in all parts of the country. Naturally, these have varied within the framework of both opportunities offered and constraints imposed by the country’s geographical features and the pattern of life determined by the climate and the social mores, as well as economic conditions. In addition, interaction of various cultures, races, and belief systems in areas now comprising Pakistan has inspired Pakistani artists through the centuries. Today, the works of Pakistani artists and artisans exude maturity and confidence brought about by a glorious and unbroken tradition. Pakistani crafts-people have always exhibited a willingness to innovate and experiment. With exposure to new ideas and movements, their ability to synthesize and improvise has led to an inevitable variety in their works. Pre-historic: Near the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, runs a small river, the Soan. On the banks of this river a large number of stone tools, estimated to be more than 500,000 years old, have been found. These tools, believed to have been designed by the primitive anthropoid types, furnish the oldest traces of human life in Pakistan. Evidence so far collected by archaeologists, shows that the first villages in Pakistan were established in Balochistan and lower Sind in the closing period of the fourth millennium. Mehrgarh: Considered as the precursor of Indus Valley Civilization, Mehrgarh is one of the most important Stone Age (7000-3000 BC) sites discovered in Balochistan, Pakistan. Evidence of wheat farming and cattle herding

Basketry.

Wazir Khan Mosque Lahore.

as well as making of ornaments from sea shell, limestone, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and sandstone have been found. Also found items include simple figurines of women and animals. It has been suggested that Mehrgarh’s techniques of jewelry and pottery making with possible use of fire and later metal were learned by the Indus Valley inhabitants who followed Mehrgarh in the neighboring provinces of Sindh and the Punjab. Indus Valley Civilization: Archaeological finds at Kot Diji, Sindh indicate that only a few hundred years after the emergence of Mehrgarh in Balochistan, settlements along the Indus started developing into cities. Not long afterwards there arose the largest Bronze Age river civilization, the Indus Valley civilization (3300-1300 BC). Identified mainly by the two principal cities of Moenjo Daro in Sind and Harappa in the Punjab, Indus Valley Civilization stretched over more than 950 miles from north to

south. These ancient cities developed a brick manufacturing industry, and an elaborate system of drains, sewers and soak pits pointing to the availability of efficient masons. Besides, there were artisans who worked in precious stones, silver, shell, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and jadeite. A more popular craft appears to have been the making of seal used extensively in trade and commerce. Considered as the mark of identification and even distinction of the Indus Valley Civilization, the fine engravings of these seals show craftsmanship of high order and use of precision tools. The art of sculpture was also quite developed and some of the pieces that have survived are proof of the sculptors’ advanced knowledge of human anatomy as well as their impressive craftsmanship. Another field in which the Moenjo Daro craftsmen have left a treasure is that of terracotta miniatures designed probably as toys

for children though some seem to have been clearly meant for use as ornaments. Cotton grown in the Indus Valley is considered the first of its kind in the world. The discovery of fine cloth at Moenjo Daro and a similar piece in Iraq confirmed that spinning and weaving were among the popular crafts. Gandhara: The sixth century BC saw the rise of Gandhara civilization in northern Pakistan. Its main cities were Peshawar, Charsadda and Taxila. Among others, the local Greek rulers of Gandhara were enthusiastic promoters of arts and craft. Great pieces of art and craftsmanship were produced during this period. The surviving stone and metal works suggest that during this period conditions were stable enough to attract craftsmen from Iran, Bactria and Central Asia, whose work provided a strong impetus to local carpenters, sculptors, pottery makers, jewelers and architects. Islamic heritage: Between the eighth and the twelfth centuries AD, Pakistan came under the influence of Islam. The province of Sindh was annexed to the Arab Caliphate in 712 AD. In the following centuries, Turkic Muslims appeared on the northern borders of Pakistan. As a result of their incessant campaigns, northern and central Pakistan became part of Turkic sultanate that had ambitions to penetrate deep into the heart of South Asia. The rise of Muslim power in South Asia made a qualitative change in the patterns of people’s living, their social mores and aesthetic values. For the next six centuries, irrespective of whether the entire region was governed by a single powerful emperor or local tribal chiefs, many arts and crafts including calligraphy, miniature painting, book binding, tile making, furniture making, ornamentation, illumination and construction of beautiful architecture saw immense development. Continued on Page 14

A miniature portrait.

Miniature painting

The origin of miniature art is attributed to the Umayyad doctors who had commissioned painters to develop illustrated training manuals for scientific explanations. Miniature illustrations were, inter alia, utilized to illustrate important romantic and emotional scenes as well as acts of war and peace in popular legends and stories such as Alf Laila wa Laila, Dastaan Amir Hamza, Qissa Yusuf Zulaikha etc. With the passage of time, miniature became an integral part of Persian and Turkic Islamic traditions. When Muslims arrived in areas now comprising Pakistan, miniature painters accompanied them as official illustrators and calligraphers. The manuscripts written during the reigns of various Turkic Sultans suggest the popularity of miniature art among Muslim elite

of Pakistani territories although no miniature specimen survived from that era. It was under the great Moguls that this form of art saw development and growth like never before. It immensely benefitted from the practices and functions of institutions established by the Moguls along the lines of Timurid Kitabkhana (royal bookmaking workshop) that functioned as a royal design studio producing, among other designs, decorative objects as well as illustrated and illuminated manuscripts and albums (Muraqqa). Mogul Emperor Humayun had special interest in Persian miniature produced in the Safavid Court. He imported the Persian influence to South Asia on his return from exile in 1555. Continued on Page 14

pakistan day supplement

Friday, March 23, 2012

Allama bil Qalam: Arabic, Qur’anic calligraphy Imran Ahmed

he development of art almost certainly predates the development of languages. However, the latter quickly moved forward, if not to overtake at least come abreast with art. Soon thereafter human societies saw synthesis of the two streams — and thus we had “word-art” or “beautiful writing.” This beautiful writing introduced by Islam was a clear departure from the way artistic talent was expressed by the Arabs of the pre-Islamic era ( Jahaliyya). Under the influence of Islamic teachings, Muslims directed their artistic talents more toward producing literature, arabesque and calligraphy than creating figure and sculptures. Arabic calligraphy became particularly popular among all segments of Islamic societies as Islam stressed art of lettering as much as reading and reciting the Holy Qur’an. According to traditions, two of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Omer ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) and Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) encouraged Muslims to write beautifully. Caliph Ali encouraged all Muslims to train their children in calligraphy. Promotion of Arabic calligraphy has, therefore, been a conscious effort on the part of the Muslims of early period. It is said that Arabic alphabets have a built-in quality to transform themselves into artistic patterns. Their creative splendors, therefore, attracted not merely Muslims but also non-Muslims. Medieval Christian kings of Europe adorned their courts and furniture with Arabic calligraphic designs. The Buddhist kings of Arakan stamped Arabic inscriptions on their coins. In a way, the art of Arabic

A calligraphic work by Shafiquzzaman.

calligraphy has connected people of different cultures and traditions. Arabic language and its script arrived in areas now comprising Pakistan in 712 AD. Two of the stone slabs discovered at a mosque area of Bhambhor near Thatta belong to the years 727 and 906 AD respectively. The former is in basic Kufi while the latter in floriated Kufi composition. Two other inscriptions of this period discovered in Tochi valley of the Khyber Pakhtoonkha province of Pakistan depict the wide popularity of this form of art from the southern coast of Pakistan to the rugged valleys of its northwest. During this period, Masnura, Multan and Thatta emerged as cities where art and craft particularly calligraphy was valued and patronized.

In later centuries, the conquest of northern states of South Asia by the Turkic Muslims encouraged migration of educated and literate Muslims from Central Asia to South Asia who, together with patronizing arts and crafts centrally, also institutionalized proper promotion and teaching of calligraphy in Pakistan. Schools for training of calligraphy were established in and around Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Thatta to provide the government and administration with scribes and other professionals necessary to run a diverse and vast empire with ambitions to grow still deeper into South Asia. Kufi, Tuluth, Ta’liq and Naskh were main styles for which training was offered in these schools. When the Moguls came to power in

1526, calligraphy had already emerged as an established and one of the most popular forms of art in many cities. A large number of noteworthy artists from Iran and Central Asia had settled in these cities. These artists were either scribes of local rulers or respected teachers in schools. Most of them had been commissioned to record royal decrees and directions, translate landmark ancient South Asian manuscripts or to pass on the techniques of traditional art to younger generations of the budding Islamic community. The presence of these artists added new meanings to South Asia’s Islamic character and culture that now constitutes the foundation of Pakistan’s national identity.

After the establishment of Pakistan in 1947, traditional calligraphy and its modern variant, which is often referred as Khat-e-Musaviri or painterly calligraphy, have progressed side-by-side. In spite of the setback suffered by traditional calligraphy by the introduction of computer-based “composing” for books and newspapers, the art form is thriving. In the early years of Pakistan, the print media relied on calligraphers for the complete writing of newspapers, headlines and text as well as books in Urdu and regional languages. Two distinct schools promoted their own styles of calligraphy. The Lahori Nastaliq pioneered by icons like Abdul Majeed, Parveen Raqam, and Hafiz Muhammad Yousuf Sadeedi, preserved the features it had acquired during Mogul period. With the migration of several families of calligraphers from Delhi to Karachi in post 1947 period, a new style of Nastaliq was introduced in Pakistan. Ustad Muhammad Yousuf Dehlavi who calligraphed the first banknotes of Pakistan is one of the respected names among the members of this school. In addition, several other calligraphers such as M. M. Sharif, Abdul Majeed Dehlavi

and Syed Anwar Hussain Nafees Al-Hussain continued to promote Nastaliq, Naskh, Thulth and Deewani Jali throughout the country with complete devotion and dedication. A large number of traditional calligraphers in today’s Pakistan have benefited from these masters. In Multan, calligraphers like Ibn-e-Kaleem introduced new styles. Other major traditional calligraphers of Pakistan who were born in the early years of the country and emerged on the art horizon in the 70s and 80s include Irfan Ahmed Khan, Khalid Javaid Yusufi, Mohammad Elahi Bakhsh Mutee, Khurshid Gohar Qalam, and Ahmed Anvar. The artists of this generation were experts in treating papers and working in mixed media. They followed pre-determined rules, which was the hallmark of traditional calligraphy, but amplified its scope by creative and ingenious use of ornamentation and illumination. Other important names of later generation of calligraphers include Hafiz Anjum Mehmood, Muhammad Ali Zahid, Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Kashif Khan, Ahmed Ali Bhutta, Mehfooz Ahmed, Afrah Fiaz and Muhammad Ashraf Heera. One of the most important artists of Pakistan is Khattat Al Haram Al Nabvi Al Sharif, Ustad Shafiq uz Zaman. He was selected for the coveted position of Khattat Al Haram 20 years ago through an open contest in which thousands of candidates from various nationalities participated. This, indeed, is an honor for Pakistan. The spiritual values created by traditional calligraphy have deeply affected the leading painters of Pakistan. A large number of pioneer painters of the country who had not paid attention to Arabic calligraphy for a large part of their artistic lives turned to this medium with enthusiasm.

pakistan day supplement MISR best in the Middle East Riyadh: Ghazanfar Ali Khan arab news staff

he Mansoura International School, Riyadh, (MISR) is ranked as one of the world-class schools in the Middle East with extensive facilities for Pakistani and foreign students. “The vision of MISR extends beyond the narrow walls of the classrooms and textbooks as it intends to give students a truly global perspective by providing international level schooling facilities,” said Rana Abdul Rauf, chairman of the MIS Advisory Council, while speaking on the occasion of Pakistan National Day, in Riyadh. Rauf said, MISR is a unique educational institution in the Kingdom that has been successfully playing its role in imparting education to students from the International community. Mansoura school is also proud of its faculty members in all disciplines, who are well-trained to meet the challenges of the 21st century, said Rauf, adding, that the school has his own distinguished

Tariq Saeed

Rana Abdul Rauf

vision as how to instill a sense of confidence and inquisitiveness among its students. Referring to the achievements of the school, a veteran educationist Tariq Mahmood Saeed, MISR principal, said, it is the untiring efforts of the school team that every coming year the number of students seeking admission is increasing. This is one of the international institutions that teaches the Federal Board, Islamabad curriculum, he added. The outstanding results in the Federal Board, Islamabad, reveal the commitment of the school in imparting quality education. About 2.000 students are currently on the rolls of the school. The school cov-

ers a large area with about 100 airy and centralized classrooms including activity rooms. The school is designed according to the needs of its pupils. “It is a perfect place to study with its rational layout, distinct levels, beautiful environment, and advanced and complete teaching facilities,” said the school official. The school prepares the students for their all-round development. “We run the school with an open management system to promote education……we particularly focus on Muslim community development,” said the principal. “Moreover, our school also promotes educational and cultural

exchanges,” he added. He pointed out that all the activities are student-centered and even meet their psychological and physiological needs. It has evolved its own management, education, course and evaluation systems. It has also introduced teaching reforms for the benefit of students that include research studies to promote skills for acquiring knowledge. In this connection, the school believes in providing education through the Internet. The school plans for and focuses on a variety of social activities in order to keep the students in touch with the society closely and face the challenges of life. It has its own library, a fully equipped science lab, a newly set art room, a computer lab, and a soundproof and spacious auditorium. Also, it conducts activities and optional courses to enable students take initiatives. In a short span of time, the school has mounted and excelled in academics and has produced good results in board examinations. He further said that the combined strength of morality and intelligence is the key to success of our institution.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Institution of Engineers for the poor and deserving Riyadh: Ghazanfar Ali Khan arab news staff

he Institution of Engineers, Saudi Arabian chapter (IEPSAC), has launched a major scholarship program for the Pakistani engineering students. This scholarship program is available for poor and meritorious engineering students, who have strong potential and commitment to community development, said Jaleel Hasan, chief of the IEP-SAC, here yesterday. “The selected students must be studying in one of the engineering colleges in Pakistan,” said Jaleel, adding that the scholarships cover tuition and other fees of the students. “This is one of the major social welfare projects of the IEP-SAC, which is currently giving 120 scholarships annually to the bright engineering students,” said the IEP chief, adding that the IEP-SAC is an official branch of the prestigious Institution of Engineers of Pakistan (IEP). At the very outset, he thanked all IEP members for contributing to the scholarship fund, saying that this

Jaleel Hasan

scholarship scheme has become a very prestigious program for the government engineering colleges in Pakistan. Referring to the IEP and the IEP-SAC, he said that the institution, in fact, was established way back in 1948 by the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. IEP-SAC was the first overseas chapter of the IEP, he noted. The IEP-SAC has been working and helping Pakistani engineers in Saudi Arabia, while interacting with

huge engineering Diaspora in the Kingdom to promote engineering skills, innovations and engineering standards in the Kingdom and Pakistan. Jaleel noted that the IEP will hold two high-profile functions in near future. “A technical seminar will be held in Riyadh on May 31, 2012; while a symposium has been planned by the Jeddah chapter on April 25 this year,” said the IEP-SAC chief. IEP-SAC, headquartered in Riyadh, has four other local chapters in Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah and Madinah. Jaleel and IEP-SAC General Secretary Syed Mubashir Kirmani also congratulated their countrymen on the occasion of the Pakistan National Day. The IEP’s chapter in Eastern region is led by Rizwan Ahmad, while Alim Khan is the chairman of the Jeddah chapter of the IEP. Jaleel said that the IEP-SAC has been playing a leading role in updating Pakistani engineers with latest engineering know-how. It is also promoting interaction among Pakistani engineers, he added.”

Mogul miniature painting in Pakistan (Continued from Page 12) Combined with new subjects, techniques and local aesthetics, this Persian influence produced a local style in later years. The reign of Emperor Akbar who succeeded Humayun was the finest period for Lahore. The local artists whom Akbar liberally patronized laid the foundation of the Mogul School of Art. Lahore remained the center of miniature art for succeeding generations. The local artists made conscious efforts to liberate their art from formal mannerism which was the hallmark of Persian paintings. They used their skills to paint more realistic subjects ranging from opulent lifestyles inside the palaces of

Mogul elite to the hardships of seers and saints in deserts and jungles, to horrors and miseries wars. The ownership of an illuminated “Murraqa” (album) containing high-class miniature paintings was considered a mark of high culture and mannerism. The painters, therefore, received liberal patronage from the male and female members of the royal family, nobles, landed aristocracy and rich traders. Lahore’s imperial atelier was known for some of the finest artists of South Asia. These artists completed illustrated manuscript of Jami’s Baharistan around 1595. Emperor Jehangir and Empress Nur Jahan who are buried in Lahore maintained a special relationship

with the city. They owned an exquisite collection of miniature paintings done mainly in Lahore. The artists of Jehangir’s period used lighter colors and finer brushwork techniques. Shah Jahan is considered as the most magnificent of all the Moguls when it comes to official patronage of arts and crafts including miniature paintings. The rise of British colonial power in South Asia after the death of Aurangzeb saw proportional decline of traditional art and crafts in Pakistani territories. Mogul style miniature paintings were no exception. Throughout the 19th century, with official patronage local artists paid more attention to European salon and academic styles.

Notwithstanding this neglect, Mogul style miniature art continued to register a slow but steady revival in Lahore’s ateliers in the late 19th century. Abdurrehaman Chughtai, the most vocal exponent of Mogul style miniature art, not only revived old techniques but also stressed the importance of Mogul style miniature primarily for ensuring continuity of Muslim cultural traditions which in later years emerged as one of the most prominent feature of Muslim nationalism in South Asia. Chughtai had a strong sense of association with a rich transcendental culture. Behzad, the Mogul painter was his spiritual mentor. He viewed Lahore’s Mogul art traditions in their historical context and underscored the importance of the Mogul culture as a parent Muslim culture for all local Muslim groups. Politically, his work conveyed the message of Muslim cultural unity in South Asia which, among other factors, led to the demand of a separate homeland i.e. Pakistan. Chughtai was revered and admired not only for his work, but also for his efforts to recover the Mogul art. However, there was a tendency among the early years’ artists of Pakistan to treat

Chughtai’s work as an “exotica” to be admired and respected; not necessarily followed. They remained closely engaged with Western styles and schools and modernism. There was visible reluctant to revisit what some critics characterized, “idealism and illustrative relationship with myth” associated with the Mogul art. However, since 1980s thanks largely to the efforts of art schools in Pakistan, the younger generation of Pakistani artists are turning to the Mogul art. This revival has connected and continues to connect the modern with the traditional. The continuity of tradition is, in fact, the most significant feature of Pakistani culture which is like an old living river that accepts varied streams but maintains its distinct course. It has the qualities of absorption, assimilation, acceptance and ability to synthesize. These qualities make Pakistani culture resilient, diverse and vibrant. In order to showcase, rich Mogul art traditions of Pakistan, the Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah is considering a workshop and an exhibition in Jeddah. Pakistan’s famous miniature painters are expected to participate in the event.

Art and crafts in Pakistan (Continued from Page 12) Producing a synthesis of the ancient and new Muslim arts, the craftsmen touched the peaks of glory during the Mogul period when they produced some of the finest specimens of workmanship. The fame of indigenous carpetmakers, weavers, tile-makers, coppersmiths and architects spread across countries. Peshawar, Lahore, Multan and Thatta were the main centers of arts and crafts. Miniature paintings executed during this period rank as the finest in the world’s treasury of art. During the colonial era the very nature of colonial exploitation damaged the growth of many indigenous arts and crafts. However, following Pakistan’s independence, traditional arts and crafts have seen unprecedented revival. Miniature art, for instance, has emerged as one of the most important genre promoted particularly by local schools of arts. Traditional arts and crafts continue to define Pakistani cultural heritage. For its glorious Islamic heritage, it shares close similarities with other Islamic states particularly Saudi Arabia. The Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah has, in the past, organized

Ornamented vase, Multan

several events to display the shared cultural bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It is considering several new projects to further strengthen close cultural cooperation between the countries.

Calligraphy in miniature technique, Sumaira Amin

pakistan day supplement

Friday, March 23, 2012

Darussalam published 1,400 Islamic titles in 28 languages Riyadh: Ghazanfar Ali Khan

Malayalam, Albanian, Tagalog (Filipino), Pashto, Bengali and many other languages,” said ince its establishment, Mujahid. Darussalam International Darussalam has also prepared Islamic Publishing House easy to learn books for small has always been the top children of young age in attracpublisher for quality Islamic books tive and colorful format, which and one of the forerunners in give them knowledge about global Islamic publication indusIslam. Darussalam has a distinctry in the world. With more than tion to have introduced innova1,400 titles published so far, tive educational devices for Darussalam offers a wide range of learning Qur’an teachings collections from Islamic books, through computer. Qur’an translations and Hadith To achieve this goal, Darussalam translations to general titles on has launched Baba Salam, a series Islam for children, women and of mini-laptop (MLP) which is men of diverse creeds and faiths. gaining wide acceptance and pop“Besides the targeted readers, ularity for learning the Qur’an, parents and teachers also find our supplications and other Islamic books qualified and essential for knowledge. Around 30 devices are their children to build knowledge now available in the market. The within Islamic perspective,” said most popular among them are Digital Qur’an, The Teacher, Al Bayaan etc. Now with the establishment of its own studio, Darussalam has produced about 500 audiocassettes and CDs in the market mainly in Urdu and English languages. Several video CDs are also in process and some are in market. Darussalam has also several books and packages which are especially designed for new-Muslims and non-Muslims. These books and packages are very used for Dawah Centers. One can visit Darussalam website www.darussalamksa.com to know more. Darussalam also plans to publish Darussalam scholars, writers and workers pose for a group photo with Dr Zakir Naik, a a magazine titled “Shining Star.” world-renowned Islamic scholar, who recently opened a new Darussalam bookstore in This magazine will be for children and in English language. Riyadh. (AN photo) arab news staff

Abdul Mali Mujahid, chief of the Darussalam. Congratulating Saudi and Pakistani brothers on the occasion of Pakistan National Day, he said that Darussalam has emerged as a multilingual international Islamic publishing company with its headquarters in Riyadh. Darusslaam has 30 branches and franchise all over the world including Pakistan, India, Britain, America and Australia. Darussalam has also appointed many agents from different countries like France, Canada, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and India. Darussalam always caters to the needs of Islamic booksellers and readers and they have been presenting and publishing books as international standards of publishing and printing.

The books contain authentic text and research materials in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah, a move which have been appreciated worldwide especially in the Muslim world. “Darussalam has become the symbol of authenticity in Islamic literature,” said Mujahid, adding that Darussalam has been engaged from its very inception, in producing books on Islam in Arabic, English, Urdu, Spanish, French, Hindi, Malayalam, Indonesian, Russian, Albanian, Bengali and various other languages. “To impart and propel the sacred obligation of spreading the word of Allah, the interpretation of the meaning of the Noble Qur’an has also been published by Darussalam in English, Urdu, Hindi, Spanish, French,

Sehar Kamran during the oath taking ceremony.

Work together for brighter Pakistan O n this occasion, I take immense pleasure in expressing my heartfelt felicitations to the Pakistani nationals on the 72nd Pakistan Day. Today as we celebrate Pakistan Day, let’s renew our pledges to make Pakistan a prosperous, strong and a developed country. This is possible only when we recognize, realize and rise to our responsibilities and work toward the betterment of our beloved Pakistan. We ought to work together to turn into reality the dream of a resplendent and prosperous Pakistan. Pakistan is facing tough chal-

lenges. Nevertheless, we should stay united and spare no effort to help Pakistan progress. I call upon the Pakistani community to work with dedication and devotion for the growth and development of not only Pakistan but also Saudi Arabia. The world’s two leading Islamic countries, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, enjoy excellent relations. Pakistan holds Saudi Arabia in high esteem and has a deep respect for the people of the Kingdom. This relation and respect is centuries old which stem from the bonds of religion, common customs and unified culture. The Pakistani community sees strength and stability of Kingdom as their own

strength and stability. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the people of Saudi Arabia for unceasingly standing by Pakistan in difficult times. I pray for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. May Allah bestow His choicest blessings and protect Pakistan and Muslim Ummah from all disaster and enemies (Ameen). Long live Pakistan Long live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship. Sehar Kamran Senator-Pakistan PISJ-ES principal