KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Special Event Committee organized an art-based “Solo Painting & Charcoal Art Work Exhibition” by Nadeem Sabtain at the Lobby Area. The exhibition was inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives Sindh, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, along with President Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Artist Nadeem Sabtain was also present on the occasion.
The exhibition was attended in large numbers by personalities associated with the field of fine arts, including Chairman of the Fine Arts Committee of Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, renowned poetess Fatima Hasan, Moazzam Ahmed, and poet Tehzeeb Hafi.
The artworks of Nadeem Sabtain were based on his own poetry and were titled “Tareekh Mein Jurrat Ka Samar Bo Ke Chalay Hain” (We Have Sown the Fruit of Courage in History). A total of 40 artworks were displayed in the exhibition, including portraits of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Qaim Ali Shah, and Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, among several prominent political personalities.
The exhibition also featured paintings and charcoal artworks inspired by verses from a poem written on the occasion of Benazir Bhutto’s Soyem (third-day memorial prayer gathering). Renowned Pakistani TV host, poet, and actor Tariq Aziz and President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah were also portrayed in the artworks. Addressing the exhibition, Provincial Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said that Sabtain Nadeem has created an entire democracy that belongs not only to today but also to history.
He said such exhibitions should be organized everywhere so that young people can get opportunities to understand and learn. He added that these images are presenting a positive vision before the people. He further said that Ahmed Shah is doing remarkable work and has organized major programs like the World Culture Festival, which has gained recognition worldwide. He said that creative activities are always continuing at the Arts Council and that Pakistani artists have their own identity across the world. He added that the negative perception of terrorism in Pakistan has diminished, while wars are causing artists to drift away from one another.
President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that today’s exhibition is very special. He said that Nadeem Sabtain is a student of the country’s renowned artist, Moazzam Ali and that the artist has incorporated his poetry into his art. He said the exhibition has been created in connection with the history of the Bhutto family. He further said that the entire poetry of Munir Niazi is visual; when one closes their eyes, everything appears to move before them.
He added that Sabtain has presented a beautiful combination of colors and words. Muhammad Ahmed Shah also recited a verse by Munir Niazi, which remained the centre of attention among the audience. Poetess Fatima Hasan said that she is delighted that exhibitions of fine arts are being held at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, which is equivalent to showing a path to future generations. She congratulated Sabtain for communicating through colors and words and said that Muhammad Ahmed Shah is striving for the promotion of art and culture.
Moazzam Ali said that Sabtain is not only a talented individual but also a poet, painter, and anchorperson. He said that Sabtain has developed a unique style of his own, which is not easy to create. Nadeem Sabtain said that these artworks were created from a poem written at Benazir Bhutto’s Soyem. He said this is his third exhibition at the Arts Council and that, due to Ahmed Shah, the Arts Council is shining at the international level. He also expressed gratitude to Zulfiqar Ali Shah.
Renowned poet Tehzeeb Hafi said that he knows the Arts Council because of Ahmed Shah, who has organized countless major festivals. He remarked that “these two or three Shahs together are accomplishing great things.” He added that the work of a painter and artist is to create an image that leaves a deep impact on the viewer. The two-day exhibition will continue until May 21, 2026, at the Lobby Area (Ground Floor) of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.
