RAWALPINDI – A calligraphic exhibition by pride of performance winner calligrapher, Aftab Ahmed Khan, was organised in connection with Muharram-ul-Haram here at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Monday.
Ambassador of Sultanate of Oman, Riyadh Yosuf Ahmed Al-Raisi, inaugurated the exhibition while PML-N MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, DG Khana Farhang Iran, Muhammad Akbari, and Zareem Kamran, VC JS Public School, participated as special guests.
RAC Resident Director (RD) Waqar Ahmed, former RD Naheed Manzoor and other dignities were also present on the occasion.
More than 50 unique art pieces mostly comprising Khat-e-Nastaleaque and Kofi were put on display in the exhibition.
Riyadh Yousuf Ahmed Al-Raisi congratulated Aftab Ahmed Khan on his achievements and said such kind of work could be expected from inborn artist. He said that RAC honored him to inaugurate the exhibition based on holy Quranic verses. Al-Raisi said that relations between Pakistan and Oman were old and both have similar traditions being Muslim countries. He further said that both counties would extend cooperation in the field of art and culture.
PML-N MNA Tahira Aurangzeb said that she  was inspired by magnificent exhibit. She also praised the efforts of RAC for conducting of exhibition.
She said that Aftab Ahmed Khan was a precious asset of Pakistan who represented his country worldwide.
Former RD of RAC Naheed Manzoor said that it was great honor for the Council to organize the exhibition of such a great artist The work on paper and gold leaf, oil on canvas, leather work, ceramics work, cut outs and glass work was also much appreciated by a large number of people from twin cities. Aftab Ahmed Khan received calligraphic art from his father famous calligrapher from Peshawar Haji Muhammad Sharif. He is an artist, calligraphist, muralist, ceramist, and writer of international fame.
He is author of 35 books on art and culture and published 30 international pictorial exhibitions catalogues. He has been honored with scores of national and international awards including Pride of Performance, Prime Minister Gold Medal and four lifetime achievement awards to his credit.
The exhibition would remain open for general public till 24 November 2012, informed RAC spokesman.