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RAWALPINDI, Dec 31 (APP): The National Calligraphy Exhibition and Traditional and Modern Calligraphy Competition 2025 concluded in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, showcasing the works of internationally acclaimed and nationally award-winning calligraphers.
The event was organised by the Punjab Arts Council (PAC) Rawalpindi, Department of Information and Culture, Government of Punjab, Mehr Qalam, Ashraf-ul-Qalam, and the Musawir Welfare Council, in connection with the 1500th birth anniversary celebrations of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him).
Iran’s Cultural Consul in Islamabad, Agha Majid Mashki, who was the chief guest, said Pakistan’s culture “closely resembles Iranian culture, and both countries share an ancient cultural history that is held in high esteem”.
He added that artists, through their creative abilities, brought honour to themselves and their country, and no encouragement for them was ever enough.
PAC Director Muhammad Shakoor thanked the guests and said the Council, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Minister for Information and Culture, was organising programmes to promote the arts and highlight the creative talents of youth.
The exhibition featured participation from internationally renowned and nationally award-winning calligraphers, including Nasir Khan Seemab, Shabbir Ahmed Zia, Arif Khan, Manzar Altaf, Muhammad Ashraf Hira, and APNAC Chairman Siddiq Anzar, along with young calligraphers.
In traditional calligraphy, the first prize was awarded to Shafi bin Saeed (Rawalpindi), the second to Mah-Jabeen Gul (Lahore), and the third to Ayesha Maheen (Sialkot). In modern calligraphy, Tooba Waqar (Rawalpindi) won first prize, Saima Imran (Rawalpindi) second, and Muhammad Zeeshan (Islamabad) third. Eighteen other calligraphers received encouragement awards, while all remaining participants were presented with certificates.
Awards for Excellence in Performance were presented to known artist Ustad Najam Kazmi, internationally award-winning calligraphers Muhammad Ashraf Hira and Ustad Arif Khan, and artist Shabbir Ahmed Zia.