ISLAMABAD, Aug 26: People on Sunday enjoyed at the National Art Gallery (NAG) what President Pervez Musharraf had described after inaugurating it overnight as “the best kept secret of Pakistan’s heritage.”

Artist Mian Ijazul Hassan, who was present at the opening, said he was pleasantly surprised to hear the president’s pungent comment on the ignorance the Establishment betrayed in keeping this astonishingly beautiful image of Pakistan hidden for decades. “Nonetheless, NAG is the artists’ dreams come true,” Ijaz said.

“NAG is the other face of Pakistan, the face of its people,” he enthused standing in the gallery that features some of the most celebrated artists of the country.

The exhibits show the continuity of the extraordinary art of the region which include works by great masters like A.R. Chughtai, Sadequain, Ustad Allah Bux, Hanif Ramay, Gulgee, Anwar Saeed, Rukhe Nilofer, Ali Raza, Jamal Shah and many others.

Extraordinary landscapes, delicate and detailed portraits, mesmerising abstract drawings and astonishing sculptures which adorn 14 galleries did come as a “grand surprise” to the visitors, as renowned artist Jamal Shah had assured earlier.

So mesmerising and compelling was the grandeur of the exhibition that President Musharraf, who was supposed to give not more than 40 minutes to the inauguration ceremony, stayed another four hours and was also entertained by the musical performances that followed.

“What a beautiful experience and nice place to see the antique paintings of famous artists. I have always admired Ustad Allah Bux. And only saw pictures of his works in art books. I have especially come to experience what it feels to stand in front of his painting. It’s simply magical,” a visitor said.

And another said, “Congratulations to the artists’ community and to all the citizens who have access to such a gem.”

We, the artists had always dreamt about such a space to exhibit our works. From this moment on, the gallery would elevate artists to a new level said Rashid Butt, one of Pakistan’s well known calligraphist, as he stood near his work done in 24K gold.

Meher Afroz, another renowned Pakistani female artist, said that delays had hurt many artists. “Today we celebrate art in its truest sense,” she said.

Proud of the accomplishment, the gallery’s architect Naeem Pasha completed the project in about one and half years.

“The symbolism of serving art in architecture has always been a challenge and an architect’s dream. Near the marbled Parliament, the Supreme Court and the PM Secretariat - seats of power - stands this poised grandeur, a humble brick like building that belongs to the people of Pakistan,” Naeem Pasha said.