RAWALPINDI: The two-day Islamic art and architecture festival ended on Saturday evening at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC).
Dr Waqas Saleem, Executive Director Lok Virsa, was the chief guest. The festival was organised in collaboration with Hasto Neest, an institution of traditional arts, as an initiative by Sameeha Khaliq.
The festival aimed to promote awareness of Islamic art and architectural heritage through dialogue, exhibition, and education. The opening day featured a panel discussion ‘In Search of the Timeless in Architecture.
The discussion was participated by Hasto Neest Director Taimoor Mumtaz Khan, Dr Maimona Khan and Professor Zarar Babury as panelists. The speakers highlighted the importance of calligraphy in the Islamic art. They urged students to show their talent in the field with new ideas.
The speakers informed the participants about the basics of the architecture and its impact on local environment.
Dr Waqas Saleem appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of organising such collaborative cultural events with the Arts Council.
Director Arts Council Mohammad Shakoor along with other officials was also present on the occasion. A group art exhibition showcasing traditional and contemporary interpretations of Islamic art and architecture was inaugurated during the festival.
The second day featured workshops on traditional calligraphy by Nasir Khan Seemab and sacred geometry in architecture by Emaan Zainab. A book stall by the National Book Foundation was also part of the festival.
The event received an encouraging response from artists, students and the general public, reinforcing the importance of preserving and engaging with Islamic cultural heritage.
RAC Director Mohammad Shakoor said Islamic calligraphy is the legacy of Muslims. “The tradition of calligraphy is centuries old and our calligraphers are the trustees of this tradition, who have kept this art alive.”
He said that we should focus on teaching our children creative literature along with formal education. He said RAC was taking steps to promote Islamic calligraphy for which classes had been arranged.
Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2026