‘Creation of Calligraphy Wing to preserve Islamic art’

Islamabad: Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH), Irfan Siddiqui Wednesday said establishment of first-ever Calligraphy Wing was a first practical step toward preservation and promotion of Islamic art of calligraphy which would get the status of an institution in future.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of establishment of Calligraphy Wing, Irfan Siddiqui said creation of Calligraphy Wing at National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), under the government patronage, would serve as catalyst for promoting this glorious and ancient art and inspired younger generation to explore the intricacies of this unique art.
The art of Calligraphy was originated followed by revelation of Islam. Calligraphy is not merely an art but it is a legacy of companions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Irfan Siddiqui observed.
The aspects of beauty, spiritualism, sacredness and respect are embedded in the art of calligraphy which makes it more distinctive, he said. Irfan Siddiqui said Pakistani calligraphers had recognised themselves through their artistic abilities at national and international without any government patronage.
Irfan Siddiqui said the NH&LH division had compiled a directory of Pakistani calligraphers with their details and pictures which would be printed within a month. The directory would carry information about around 320 calligraphers and its objective was to give recognition to the calligraphers and encourage their artistic endeavours, he added.
The adviser said the division had arranged national and international calligraphy exhibitions this year where the calligraphers from far flung areas of the country showcased their art pieces and received appreciation.
He said the division would enhance cooperation with Iran, Turkey and other Islamic countries for promotion of this art. Speaking on the occasion, renowned calligraphers, Khalid Yousafi, Muhammad Elahi Baksh Matiand Rasheed Butt appreciated the government efforts for establishing Calligraphy Wing and said, "This Calligraphy Wing is not less than any dream for them."
They thanked Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Irfan Siddiqui for this initiative and said, this Calligraphy Wing would be source of encouragement for the young and professional calligraphers for further excelling in this field of art.
NLPD Director General Iftikhar Arif thanked Advisor to Prime Minister, Irfan Siddiqui who envisioned the establishment of this Calligraphy Wing at NLPD and provided guidance and patronage. The ceremony was attended by Federal Secretary on NH&LH, Engineer Aamir Hasan, Joint Secretary, Syed Junaid Akhlaq, prominent social activist, Dr. Jamal Nasir, Third Secretary, Embassy of Turkey, Cengiz Gunes, Head of National Book Foundation, Dr. Inam ul Haq Javed, Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Dr. Qasim Bughio and other prominent personalities, calligraphers and students attended the ceremony.