KARACHI: An exhibition of rare photographs documenting the Pakistan Movement was held at Hamdard University (HU) on Friday, drawing considerable interest from students.

The university had organised the exhibition in collaboration with Idara Nazria-i-Pakistan (INP), Lahore, in the lobby of Bait al-Hikmah Library, located within the campus.

It was opened by Prof M. Aamer Saleem. HU registrar Kaleem A. Ghias and Prof Mansoob Siddiqui

Mounted on steel structures, the large photographs covered almost all significant developments of the movement, including the establishment of the All India Muslim League in 1906.

Other images depicted Father of the Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s visits to London for the Round Table Conferences, his oath-taking ceremony in mid-August 1947, when he assumed office as the country’s first Governor-General and his address to the first Constituent Assembly in Karachi.

The photographs on display highlighted not only the activities of adult male leaders and supporters of the Muslim League but also showcased its youth and women activists.

Senior INP official Prof Zahid Javed provided students with detailed background information for each photograph on display. He explained that Idara Nazria-i-Pakistan was a non-profit organisation that also published books.

“We only recover the books’ printing costs. The aim is not to make a profit but to promote reading habits among the youth,” he said.

Students from HU and Hamdard Public School showed keen interest in the exhibition, attentively studying each photograph and engaging with the history portrayed.

Many of them expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect visually with the country’s liberation struggle and acknowledged the importance of such initiatives in preserving national heritage.

Marka-i-Haq

Meanwhile, a day-long arts exhibition titled Marka-i-Haq (Battle of Truth) opened at the Department of Visual Studies of Karachi University (KU). It drew a large and enthusiastic crowd from across campus, with students coming together to pay homage to the armed forces.

The event showcased a wide array of creative expressions, including paintings, sculptures, installation art and mixed media works, each highlighting the bravery, sacrifices, and patriotic spirit of the nation’s heroes.

“This art is not just about aesthetics, it’s a reflection of our collective consciousness and national pride. The students have shown that every citizen, regardless of their field, stands in solidarity with those who protect our homeland,” in-charge of KU’s visual studies department Syed Shamoon Haider said.

Over 100 artworks contributed by students from visual studies and other departments across the university were on display. Every piece reflected a deep emotional and creative tribute to the courage, service and unwavering commitment of the nation’s heroes.

Among the standout pieces were poignant portraits of martyrs, vivid depictions of battle scenes, dynamic representations of Pakistan Air Force and Navy in action and a striking 3D installation that captivated attendees.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2025