Art competition in Islamabad highlights Kashmir issue on Youm-e-Istehsal
Islamabad: A painting competition titled “Conflict Through Art” was organized in Islamabad to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, with nearly 200 young student artists from across Pakistan portraying the Kashmir dispute through their artwork.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the competition was jointly organized by the Youth Forum for Kashmir and the Institute of Home Economics and Design. Participants used art to depict the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting alleged human rights violations, the impact of India’s August 5, 2019 actions, and the hardships faced by Kashmiris.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar as the chief guest. Other participants included Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations Altaf Hussain Wani, Executive Director of Youth Forum for Kashmir Zaman Bajwa, Principal of the Institute of Home Economics and Design Rozina Faheem, and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Uzma Golra.
Addressing the ceremony, Wajiha Qamar said that while voices could be suppressed, the message conveyed through colours could not be silenced. She praised the young artists for presenting the story of Kashmir through their paintings and said their artwork effectively highlighted the plight of the Kashmiri people.
She also paid tribute to the late Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani, describing his life as a source of inspiration. She further alleged that India was using fifth-generation warfare and propaganda to mislead young people.
Speaking on the occasion, Zaman Bajwa said the competition aimed to use art and culture as a medium to raise awareness about the Kashmir dispute. He expressed confidence that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would ultimately bear fruit.
Wajiha Qamar later inaugurated the exhibition of the artwork and distributed prizes among the winning participants.
