RAWALPINDI: To pay tribute to leaders of the Pakistan movement, the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Monday held a portrait competition titled ‘Heroes of Pakistan’.

Students of more than 20 colleges and universities submitted their entries into the competition.

They had made portraits of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Liaquat Ali Khan, Fatima Jinnah and others. Some of the artists had made the portraits in oil paints and others had used pencils.

Chairman of the Green Task Force Dr Jamal Nasir, who was attending as chief guest, said that Pakistan movement was an example of how all problems could be solved via dialogue and that there was a need for creating a culture of tolerance and respect for others.

The country will develop if everyone starting caring about others, he said and that the younger generations should be told about the lives of our national heroes and how they worked hard to realise their dream of an independent country.

PML-N MNA Advocate Raja Mohammad Hanif agreed and said younger generations should research the lives of the founders of the country and understand their teachings.

The government is working towards developing this country and is trying to provide the best facilities to the people, including better education and an improved health system, he said.

The MNA added that the provincial government is also working for protecting the rights of women and minorities and has made laws in this regard as well.

The implementation of the women’s protection bill has started and women now feel more secure, Mr Hanif added.

Also speaking at the event was RAC former resident director Naheed Manzoor who said everyone has a role to play for the development of Pakistan and that the younger generation can better help in making the country a prosperous one if they understand the lessons and teachings of the founders of the country.

Talking about the competition, RAC resident director Waqar Ahmed said the aim was to provide a platform for young people to showcase their skills and to express what they feel for their country.

Prizes and certificates were then distributed among the participants. Waqar Ahmed from RAC was declared winner of the competition while Zubaida Kanwal from Government Viqarun Nisa College came second. Arslan Ahmed from Cadet College Choa Saddan Shah came third and Roshnan Ali from the Post Graduate College for Women, Satellite Town came third in the competition.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2016