RAWALPINDI, Nov 19: Calligraphic work of renowned artist Aftab Ahmed Khan was displayed on Monday at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC), in connection with Muharram.

Mr Riyadh Yusuf Ahmed Al-Raisi, Ambassador of Sultanate of Oman, inaugurated the exhibition, while MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, Director-General Khan-e-Farhang Mohammed Akbari and Zareem Kamran participated as special guests.

Naheed Manzoor, Waqar Ahmed, Resident Director RAC and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

More than 50 unique art pieces were put on display at the exhibition. The work on paper, gold leaf, oil on canvas, leather work, ceramic work, cut outs and glass work were also appreciated by a large number of people from the twin cities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad.

Aftab Ahmed Khan received training in calligraphic art from his father, renowned calligrapher from Peshawar Haji Mohammad Sharif. The artist is a polymath as he is a calligraphist, muralist, ceramist and a writer of international fame.

He has authored 35 books on art and culture and published 30 international pictorial catalogues. He has been honoured with scores of national and international awards, including Pride of Performance, Prime Minister Gold Medal and four lifetime achievement awards.

Aftab Ahmed Khan is also a forensic expert and is presently working as a forensic advisor with Police College Sihala. He has also worked with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies as a forensic expert.

“I have been working for the last 70 years to promote art and culture in the country,” said Aftab Ahmed Khan, while talking to Dawn.

He said that he used strong bright colours because he liked the combination of such colours.

He said that the most unique thing about his paintings were the treatment of oil colours, which gave the work an antique look.

He said that he also used real gold and silver on the canvas, in order to give the impression of uniqueness and depth. He said that he used the technique to break the colours.

The Ambassador of Oman congratulated Aftab Ahmed Khan on his achievements and said such kind of work can be expected only from an inborn artist.

MNA Tahira Aurangzeb said that she had been “inspired by the magnificent exhibit” and praised the efforts of RAC for organising the exhibition. She said that the artist was a precious asset of Pakistan.

The exhibition will remain open till November 24. —A Reporter