RAWALPINDI: A week-long photo exhibition titled Umeed ka Safar depicting the struggle of Muslims for creation of an independent country began at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Tuesday.

Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education Wajiha Akram inaugurated the exhibition. Naheed Manzoor and RAC Director Waqar Ahmed were present on the occasion.

More than 100 rare photographs were put on display. Photographs from Tehreek-i-Pakistan (1857 to 1947) showing arrival of refugees in the country after independence and the atrocities along the way have also been put on display.

Some photographs depict the statesmanship of the founder of Pakistan. In some pictures, he is seen addressing public meetings and during meetings with the viceroy of India, the British civil and military bureaucracy, and Congress leaders Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Akram said Pakistan is the interpretation of dreams of the Muslims of the subcontinent, adding, Mr Jinnah made that dream come true by working day and night.

She said our young generation is very hardworking and worthy; it must protect Pakistan’s ideology.

Former RAC director Ms Manzoor said freedom is the greatest blessing of the world.

“Today we are breathing in the open air because of our Quaid-i-Azam. The value of freedom should be asked of Kashmiris,” she said.

Mr Ahmed said that the country could be standing with developed nations if teachings of Mr Jinnah are followed. He added that the aim of the exhibition was to introduce the struggle and works of Quaid-i-Azam to the new generation.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2021