TOBA TEK SINGH: The three-day annual Chrysanthemum and Autumn Flower Show 2024 began at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Tuesday.

The event, which drew students, faculty members and flower lovers, showcased a vibrant array of chrysanthemum and ornamental plants, highlighting the beauty and diversity of floriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan said flowers give us the message of peace, love and harmony, and such exhibitions provide an opportunity to get refuge from the monotonous routine and spend quality time to avoid stress and depression.

He said the Netherlands is the world’s largest flower exporting county, following Colombia, Kenya, Belgium and others.

He said Pakistan can also tap the world $60 billion floriculture market and earn foreign exchange.

Director Horticulture Dr Ahmad Sattar said the event also provides a platform to the horticulture students to arrange flowers in creative ways and excel in the field.

Dr Iftikhar Ahmad said more than 200 types of flower have been displayed in the exhibition in which students of UAF Institute of Horticulture and six other universities are participating.

He said that 20 varieties of flowers developed by UAF were also showcased in the exhibition.

Various autumn varieties of chrysanthemum remained a centre of attraction for the visitors.

Former MPA Najma Afzal, former president of FCCI Dr Khurram, Students Affair Principal Officer Dr Riaz Virk, Chairman Entomology Dr Jalal Arif, Director Soil Science Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir, Dr Muhammad Usman, Chief Hall Warden Dr Tayyab, Principal Officer Estate Management Dr Nadeem Akbar, Dr Rai Asif, Dr Mohsin Bashir, Registrar Tariq Mehmood Gill, Treasurer Zeeshan Ishfaq Bukhary and Deputy Treasurer Umer Saeed Qadri also attended the show.

workshop: The Institute of Art and Design at Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) organised a calligraphy workshop and exhibition on Tuesday, aimed at promoting Islamic art and preserving cultural heritage.

The event was inaugurated by GCUF Vice-Chancellor Dr Rauf-I-Azam, who highlighted the importance of calligraphy as a reflection of civilisational history and a medium for preserving aesthetic and cultural values.

Dr Muhammad Asghar, Director of the Institute, said the purpose of the event was to educate participants and also celebrate calligraphic traditions.

The exhibition featured works by Wasal Shahid, including gold-leaf masterpieces that captivated the audience.

Shahid also conducted a special session, sharing insights into the art of calligraphy and its historical significance.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024