ISLAMABAD: A photography book on the life of religious minorities in Pakistan by photojournalist Mobeen Ansari, titled White in the Flag – a Promise Forgotten, was launched at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Sunday.

The book launch began with a video that explained the title of the book, which denotes Pakistan’s commitment to the rights of minorities.

The ‘forgotten promise’ signifies Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s quote: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed. That has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

This was followed by video messages of encouragement from the late Abdul Sattar Edhi and Imran Khan, who lauded Mr Ansari’s vision and efforts to shed light on the diversity and vibrancy of cultures that embody the nation and to further commemorate the notion of coexistence, rather than exemplify polarisation.

In the video, Edhi said: “Mobeen Ansari put together a photographic book on minorities and I welcome this initiative. We are all humans irrespective of our background and once we realise that, all feuds will end.”

Mr Khan too emphasised the importance of coexistence, saying in the video: “I congratulate Mobeen on his second book, and it is important for Pakistan to recognise and respect humanity, regardless of religion.”

Mr Ansari also gave a brief account of his hearing disability, which led him to be an introverted person who found expression through his camera.

Attributing his passion for photography to his grandmother, he said he utilised this medium to interact with people and understand the human experience.

His books are a refreshing visual narration of his journey, which is both contemplative and resounding to any viewer.

The book’s cover is the designated green cloth of the country’s flag that is layered into folds, symbolising the fabric of the nation – minorities included, with their varied religions, cultures and practices. Each picture narrates an exalted story of beliefs artistically crafted and depicted by Mr Ansari.

His eye for detail, vibrant landscapes and meticulous portraits attribute him to being a masterful photographer, but the magnificence of his craft lies in the conceptual narrative behind each shot.

From joyous boys at Swaminarain Mandir celebrating Holi to somber devoted Nankana Sahib heading the procession of Janam Din Baba Guru Nanak Dev ji, the faces foretell not only an account but steer emotions and set a mood.

Under the pulsating hues and symmetrically impeccable captures, the symbolic interpretation is what lingers.

A Kalashi woman’s piercing gaze sidles into the soul, and the mind links the familiarity of her wrinkles to that of a Hindu woman clasping her hands in a temple in prayer.

Unification and the merging of familiarity is the underlying message of Mr Ansari’s book, as he commends humanity over religion, caste and creed. His book observes the lack of diversity in different communities and celebrates all that is similar.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2017