Photo exhibition highlights Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, Minister announces Rs 500,000 grant for RIPJA

ISLAMABAD, Aug 07 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Friday announced a grant of Rs. 500,000 for the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Photo Journalists Association (RIPJA) and said the Ministry would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the association to jointly promote Pakistan’s culture and heritage.

He made the announcement while inaugurating the 16th Annual Photo Exhibition, titled “Culture & National Heritage of Pakistan – Our Identity, Our Pride,” organised by the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Photo Journalists Association (RIPJA) in collaboration with Al-Sadat Group at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The event was attended by Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence Senator Talha Mahmood, Chairman Al-Sadat Group Syed Sadaqat Shah, Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez and was presided over by RIPJA President Sajjad Haider. A large number of senior photojournalists, media professionals and guests also attended the exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said Islamabad was home to more than 10 officially recognised heritage sites that reflected the rich history and cultural legacy of the region.

He said the Ministry had launched restoration and conservation projects to protect these landmarks for future generations, adding that these heritage sites were not merely monuments but a vital part of Pakistan’s identity and national pride.

The minister announced a grant of Rs 500,000 for RIPJA and said an MoU would be signed between the Ministry and the association to work together for the promotion of Pakistan’s culture and heritage through photography, public awareness and preservation initiatives.

Senator Talha Mahmood described photojournalists as the “eyes of the nation” and appreciated their professional commitment.

He announced that he would provide the necessary equipment for the RIPJA media room to facilitate the work of photojournalists.

Chairman Al-Sadat Group Syed Sadaqat Shah praised photographers for capturing powerful images and projecting Pakistan’s culture in a positive light. He announced an annual grant of Rs 300,000 for RIPJA besides offering modern photography courses for the association’s members.

Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez said he was delighted to witness the love Pakistanis had for their culture and heritage.

He said the Embassy of the Philippines would work with RIPJA to organise a similar exhibition in Islamabad showcasing the heritage and culture of the Philippines alongside Pakistan’s rich cultural traditions.

A total of 85 photojournalists from the twin cities displayed their artwork at the exhibition.

Senior photojournalists and office-bearers, including Javed Nasir Chaudhry, Javed Bashir, Shad Latif, Adil Ulfat Shah, Mazhar Khan, Tanveer Shahzad, Afzaal Chaudhry, Jahangir Chaudhry, Sohail Shahzad, Muhammad Asim, Zulfiqar Khan, Raja Mudassar and many others attended the event.

The exhibition featured exceptional and exemplary photographs of heritage sites, including Ban Faqiran Stupa (2nd-5th Century C.E.), Pharwala Fort (11th Century), Mai Qamro Mosque (150 years old), Rawal Fort (16th Century), Shah Allah Ditta Caves (2,400 years old), Tomb of Sultan Muqarab Khan (18th Century), Kuri Pavilion (18th Century), British Period Memorial (20th Century), Rehara Mosque (18th Century), Hindu Temple at Rawal Dam (18th Century), and the Korang River Railway Bridge constructed in 1914. The exhibition included six protected heritage sites under the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, four sites currently under the process of protection and three sites identified by RIPJA.

It also showcased Pakistan’s living culture through powerful images portraying everyday life across the country.

In his inaugural address, RIPJA President Sajjad Haider said the association had successfully organised numerous professional events during the past 23 years and distributed laptops, mobile phones, camera bags and cash prizes worth around Rs 10 million among its members.

He said the association stood among the leading journalist organisations in the country and was ready to join hands with the Federal Minister to promote Pakistan’s national heritage sites among citizens as well as foreign delegates.

Talking to APP, Senior photojournalist Afzaal Chaudhry said photography is a powerful medium for preserving history, culture and national identity.

He said the exhibition reflected the dedication of Pakistani photojournalists to documenting the country’s rich heritage and historical landmarks while creating greater public awareness about the need to preserve these invaluable assets for future generations.

He appreciated the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, Al-Sadat Group and all supporting organisations for encouraging photographers and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage through such initiatives.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Al-Sadat Group and the Talha Mahmood Foundation presented professional camera bags as gifts to all RIPJA members, while commemorative shields were presented to the distinguished guests by the organisers.