RAWALPINDI: A four-day painting exhibition featuring works by 11 women artists kicked off at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC), showcasing paintings that capture the beauty of historic forts across Pakistan.

The exhibition has been organised by the RAC in collaboration with Photo Gallery Visual and Performing Arts Studio, Islamabad.

Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Buket Kop, inaugurated the exhibition, which was attended by a large number of art lovers from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Ms Buket Kop praised the artists, saying their work was impressive and that the artists had generously shared their talent and vision.

She said she was particularly impressed by the creativity of women artists.

As many as 11 women artists from the twin cities, including Ambreen Rashid Khan, Ala Hai Mawaz Zulqarnain, Hala Masood, Khadija Umar, Ismat Jabeen, Kanwal Nafees, Saleha Faisal, Salut Hijazi, Shahla Moazzam, Suneen Rehmat and Zainab Mawaz, presented their artworks to visitors.

The concept of the exhibition was developed by renowned artist, sculptor, writer and drama director Ahmed Habib, who is also the founder and director of Photo Gallery. The curation responsibilities were handled by Kanwal Nafees and Khadija Umar, whose works are also a key part of the exhibition.

The exhibition features 50 artworks created in oil, watercolour, acrylic and mixed media. The paintings depict forts from different parts of Pakistan, including Rohtas Fort, Rawat Fort, Pharwala Fort, Ramkot Fort, Attock Fort, Sangjani Fort, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Jamrud Fort, Lahore Fort and Derawar Fort, preserved on canvas and paper.

According to Ahmed Habib, when it comes to women empowerment, seminars are often held or protests are seen on the streets, but he believes this exhibition is a true demonstration of women’s power.

He said the exhibition serves two purposes: pictorial documentation and women empowerment. He added that these forts, which have endured heat, cold and sun for centuries, stand as silent witnesses to changing times.

The artists said these magnificent structures, standing on mountain peaks, fertile plains and dry deserts, are hallmarks of Pakistan’s glorious past but are now falling into disrepair due to neglect.

They warned that the stories of conquerors, galloping horses and shining swords etched into these ancient walls may fade away amid the romanticism of the present.

They said the exhibition is an effort to keep this past alive so that these forts can be presented to future generations as living metaphors rather than scattered stones and dusty relics.

They added that while history often describes women as the “fragile gender” and overlooks their determination, stories of women’s resistance and steadfastness can be found if one looks closely.

The exhibition, they said, is a practical demonstration of the resilience and harmony of 11 courageous women, who chose to portray historical fortresses instead of conventional themes such as flowers, landscapes and greenery.

Through strong symbolism, they have shown that women’s subjects can represent not only delicacy but also strength, defence and stability.

RAC Director Muhammad Shakoor, in his address, warmly appreciated the efforts of the women artists. Visitors from Rawalpindi and Islamabad also praised the exhibition, which will continue until the evening of February 12.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2026