ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP):Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Thursday said that rare photographs of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah are not merely a record of history but also a powerful message for Pakistan’s younger generation, reminding them of the struggle, dedication and sacrifices behind the creation of Pakistan. He expressed these views while inaugurating a rare and historic photographic exhibition, “Quaid-i-Azam: The First Governor-General of …
Rare Jinnah photographs remind youth of Pakistan’s struggle and sacrifices’: Aurangzeb Khichi
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP):Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Thursday said that rare photographs of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah are not merely a record of history but also a powerful message for Pakistan’s younger generation, reminding them of the struggle, dedication and sacrifices behind the creation of Pakistan.
He expressed these views while inaugurating a rare and historic photographic exhibition, “Quaid-i-Azam: The First Governor-General of Pakistan 1947–1948,” at the National Art Gallery of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The exhibition, held as part of PNCA’s commemorative activities marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, presents a visual chronicle of the life and official engagements of the country’s founding leader through the lens of his official photographer, Ziauddin Barni.
The federal minister emphasized the importance of preserving and presenting historical material to strengthen national awareness and inspire younger generations to understand the values of leadership, determination, public service and commitment embodied by Quaid-i-Azam.
He said such exhibitions provided young people an opportunity to connect with Pakistan’s history in a meaningful and visual manner and helped keep the legacy of the nation’s founder alive for future generations.
The exhibition is being held under the patronage of PNCA Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali and has been curated by Mariam Ahmed. It was first showcased in 2023 at the Mohatta Palace Museum, Karachi, in collaboration with Dawn Media, and was curated by Abdul Hamid Akhund and Hameed Haroon.
The photographs provide a rare glimpse into the formative years of Pakistan through the camera of Ziauddin Barni, who accompanied Quaid-i-Azam on numerous official engagements and documented significant moments during his tenure as the first Governor-General of Pakistan.
Among the most poignant photographs are those depicting Quaid-i-Azam’s final days and funeral ceremonies following his death in September 1948.
The images constitute an invaluable visual record of one of the defining moments in Pakistan’s history.
The photographs on display represent only a portion of the material from Barni’s personal archive, preserved by his family, particularly his granddaughter Zarreen Baqir. Several other photographs preserved in national archives are also believed to have been taken by Barni.
Beyond their historical significance, the photographs offer a deeply human perspective of Quaid-i-Azam, capturing moments of leadership, public service, interaction and reflection during the formative years of Pakistan. The exhibition enables visitors to look beyond the iconic portrait of the Quaid and discover the man behind the historic figure.
PNCA has invited art lovers, historians, researchers, students, photographers and the general public to visit the exhibition
and experience the visual journey through the early history of Pakistan.
The exhibition will remain open until September 30 at National Art Gallery, PNCA from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
