KARACHI, April 20: The launching of the book: “The Friends of God - Sufi Saints in Islam: popular poster art from Pakistan” by Dr Yeurgen Waseem Frembgen, was held at the Goethe Institut here on Wednesday evening.

Dr Syed Mehdi Raza Shah Subzwari was the chief guest.

Based on extensive research and analysis, the book presents for the first time the genre of popular Sufi poster art.

Dr Subzwari lauded the contribution of the author from the Museum of Ethnology, Munich, Germany.

He said that Dr. Frembgen travelled extensively and visited shrines and absorbed knowledge and understanding about Sufism and the related matters.

Dr. Subzwari pointed out that Qalandar Lal Shahbaz and other Sufis fostered inter-religion and inter-cultural harmony.

Dr Subzwari stated that Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was respected by the Muslims as well as the Hindus.

He was of the view that one has to be moderate for promotion of inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony.

In his remarks, Dr Frembgen said that Pakistan is a heartland of Sufism. He said that he first visited Pakistan in the year 1987-88 and started collecting posters.

Dr. Frembgen said there are some 300 posters in the Museum of Ethnology Munich.

The Managing Director of Oxford University Press (OUP), Pakistan, Ms Ameena Saiyid, said this is for the first time that popular Sufi poster art, which is a blend of devotional, folk art, is being brought together in the form of a book and being introduced to the reading public.

She said the spirit of Sufism, which is liberal aspect of the religion, is depicted here in devotional but exuberant character in which it affects overwhelming numbers of people, making the Urs of Saints occasions of festivity.

The welcome address on the occasion was presented by Dr Petra Raymond, Director of Goethe Institut, Karachi.

Ms Ameena Saiyid said that she has been performing the job towards the linkage of the cultures.

Later, Dr Subzwari performed the inauguration of the poster exhibition. As many as 48 posters have been put on display.

According to Dr Petra Raymond, the exhibition would continue for a couple of weeks at the premises of the Goethe Institut Karachi.— APP