Pakistan: Artists, civil society, rights activists remember Noor Mukadam

Islamabad: Members of family, friends, representatives of civil society and rights activists turned up at an exhibition of artwork titled ‘Noor’ to remember and cherish the memory of their loved one Noor Mukadam, the unlucky girl whose life was cut short by a psychopath earlier in July this year.

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) had organized the two-day exhibition that concluded Saturday honouring the life and works of Noor Mukadam.

Curated by veteran artist Jamal Shah the exhibition showcased Noor’s art work, notably her calligraphy and a recreation of her room where she painted.

Most of the works put on display consisted of calligraphy by Noor Mukadam and the visitors marveled at the mastery of her strokes and viewed she would have made quite an achievement in this particular field had she lived a little longer.

Rabiia Amin, the host of the exhibition gave a welcoming address while Jamal Shah explained the aim was to showcase Noor’s expression of grace and humility through her art.

Art he said was formative in raising awareness and empowering individuals to speak out and act against the discrepancies in our society.”

‘A bright illustration of love’

Addressing the audience, Noor’s father, Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam spoke of his daughter’s spiritual and artistic inclination, “She was a bright illustration of love and compassion in the often volatile and unsettling world of today.

Using medium of art, she transmitted the voice of the Divine in a unique and beautiful way,” said the distressed father who looked visibly shaken after the murder of his beloved daughter.

Ambassador Mukadam also highlighted the importance to end violence against women and girls. “Her untimely death has fanned the flames of a revolution for the women of Pakistan as they continue to fight against gender-based violence. Her story has touched countless citizens.”, he said.

Incidentally, the exhibition coincides with the last day of the UN’s global campaign – 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

A voice of the voiceless

Besides Shaukat Mukadam, Noor’s father, rights activist and motivational speaker Muneeba Mazari spoke of the tragedy that struck the Human Rights activists in general and the Mukadam family in par-ticular.

She said Noor symbolized the voice of the voiceless and was a role model for all those women who wanted to discover their true genius

The event concluded with a touching poetry recital by the icon of courage and patience none other than Muniba Mazari, ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou along with live painting by artists Tulin Khalid Azim, Rabia Ayub and Shafaq Hasnain Zaidi.