Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi inaugurated a rare photographic exhibition titled “Quaid-i-Azam: The First Governor-General of Pakistan 1947-1948” at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The exhibition showcases the life and official engagements of Pakistan’s founding leader, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, captured by his official photographer, Ziauddin Barni.

According to Press Information Department, the exhibition is part of PNCA’s activities commemorating Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. It was initially displayed in 2023 at the Mohatta Palace Museum in Karachi, and is now curated by Mariam Ahmed at the National Art Gallery, PNCA. The exhibition presents a visual chronicle of Pakistan’s formative years through Barni’s lens, highlighting significant moments during Jinnah’s tenure as the first Governor-General.

Notably, the exhibition includes photographs from Jinnah’s final days and funeral ceremonies, providing an invaluable visual record of a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history. The collection features images from Barni’s personal archive, preserved by his family, and is supplemented by other photographs believed to be taken by him.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Khichi underscored the importance of these photographs as a historical record and a message for Pakistan’s youth. He emphasized the need to preserve and share this legacy to inspire future generations with the values exemplified by Jinnah.

The exhibition is open to the public until September 30, 2026, at the National Art Gallery, PNCA, Islamabad, inviting art enthusiasts, historians, and the general public to engage with this visual journey through Pakistan’s early history.