ISLAMABAD: A photo exhibition documenting the UN’s work in Pakistan titled “Pakistan: Sustaining Development – human stories through photography’ was held at the Lok Virsa on Monday to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the UN.

The 102 photographs in the exhibition showcase the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by illustrating the challenges faced by people including human rights infringements, terrorism, gender inequality, social justice, climate change, sustainable development, humanitarian emergencies, health, education, poverty, peace and food security.

Some of the more captivating pictures were of a boy collecting food from a garbage dump in Islamabad, an acid attack survivor offering prayers, a narrow strip of land serving as a refuge near Khairpur in Sindh during the floods, villagers travelling on horse drawn carts, children playing near the Ravi River and female students attending a computer class.

Director UN Information Centre Vittorio Cammarota said pictures are worth a thousand words and do not need translation.

“Sometimes words fail us. Feeling pain and sharing the joy of the other is an experience only the eyes can capture. [The exhibition] showcases stories related to the 17 SDGs through 102 outstanding photos that give a human face and feel to the issue,” he said.

Mr Cammarota explained that the exhibition portrays that the UN is working steadfastly in Pakistan in order to achieve targets set by the SDGs.

“There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Sometimes it is a tale of the resilience of vulnerable communities in Pakistan and in other instances, it is the smile from someone going through a difficult time,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said relations with neighbouring countries is important for Pakistan and that it will continue to work for durable peace and stability in the region.

He added that Pakistan has launched an effective diplomatic campaign across the world in order to raise the Kashmir issue and said the UN military observer mission should visit the line of control and examine India’s violations of international laws.

He said it was unfortunate that India is continuously violating human rights and UN resolutions in Indian occupied Kashmir.

French Ambassador Martin Durance said both the UN and France will help Pakistan achieve its development goals and hoped the exhibition will offer people an opportunity to learn about the support provided to the people of Pakistan by the various agencies, funds and programs of the United Nations.

Talking to Dawn, a visitor to the exhibition said: “I am amazed at the beauty of these pictures. They are so powerful and portray what the SDGs are and what they mean to the people of Pakistan.”

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2016