Karachi, The `Jawidan’ Art Exhibition at the Pakistan National Council of Art (PNCA) was inaugurated by the Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar, symbolically marked by the release of a dove, representing peace, love, and hope.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the exhibition featured the works of leading sculptors and painters, including Hussain Baqar, the son of Justice Maqbool Baqar. The showcased art pieces were inspired by the Indus Civilisation and Gandhara art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Among the notable artworks was a sculpture of Buddha by the emerging sculptor Hussain Baqar. He explained to the Chief Minister that his sculpture signified enlightenment, serenity, detachment, concentration, wisdom, and benevolence. The representation of Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, was a central piece, surrounded by lit earthen lamps, adding a serene and contemplative aura to the exhibition.
The exhibition also included various other art forms such as seals, pottery, terracotta figures, and other creations by emerging artists. These pieces collectively highlighted the artistic diversity and historical depth of the region’s cultural legacy.
In his address, Chief Minister Justice Baqar emphasized the richness of local art, culture, and civilization. He advocated for organizing more such exhibitions to spread messages of love, co-existence, a plural society, and the importance of science and technology. The `Jawidan’ Art Exhibition thus served not only as a showcase of artistic talent but also as a platform for promoting cultural and intellectual values.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, In a significant development for social welfare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Supervising Provincial Minister of Social Welfare and Budget, Justice Irshad Qaiser, announced the imminent inauguration of a rehabilitation center in Peshawar dedicated to the rehabilitation and treatment of women suffering from drug addiction. This center will be the first of its kind at the government level focusing solely on women.
According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Justice Qaiser made this announcement during a review meeting of the ongoing projects under the annual development program of Social Welfare. The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Social Welfare Farooq Khan, Senior Planning Officer Samat, and other relevant authorities. Secretary Social Welfare Anila Durrani also participated via video link.
The meeting provided a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing projects for the fiscal year 2023-24. It was noted that the annual development program includes a total of forty projects, with twenty currently in progress. However, seven projects have been frozen due to financial constraints, and thirteen are awaiting approval. The total cost of these projects amounts to Rs 13201 million, with Rs 716 million allocated for the first eight months of the current budget.
During the meeting, the ongoing projects were reviewed in detail. The challenges faced in implementing these projects were discussed, and instructions were issued to improve the effectiveness of these initiatives. The authorities informed the attendees about the establishment of a center of excellence for child artistry, which provides treatment and counseling for children affected by artistry.
Furthermore, plans are in motion to establish Darlaman in different districts of the province and Zamong Kor for street children. Rehabilitation centers have already been set up in eleven districts to treat and rehabilitate drug addicts.
The Caretaker Provincial Social Welfare Minister praised the Social Welfare Department’s performance, highlighting the Caretaker Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable and marginalized segments of society. She mentioned her personal visits to many ongoing social welfare projects and centers, affirming the government’s dedication to these initiatives.