The twine cities of the capital have again been experiencing yet another bleeding spring this year either in the name of development or negligence. Most of the green areas of Islamabad have been vanishing and beautiful trees, plants, bushes, herbs and weeds ruthlessly crushed in the name of the widening of roads, construction of interchanges or other so called developmental projects.
One of the most attractive areas called Shakarparian (abode of sweet plants) is now presenting a deserted look with ugly erection of steel and cement structures here and there. Only the recently inaugurated much publicised but horribly incomplete and unfinished 9th Avenue has taken away 2239 precious trees of different species. Though the city bosses claimed alternative plantation of 6436 saplings on the dual side of the green belt. But there are no signs of the return of the green.
The construction of the 7th Avenue resulted in the similar fate. Much publicised Art and Handicraft Village in Shakarparian is still on an un finished agenda even at the cost of chopping off at numerous plants, trees and herbs in the vicinity. In Rawalpindi there are only half a dozen public parks in very poor condition due to the negligence of the concerned authorities.
The one located at Shamsabad, Murree Road called Nawaz Sharif Park offers an ugly look. Millions of rupees of public money has gone waste. The chief minister of Punjab visited this place on various occasions but perhaps he did not notice he could not see this symbol of this negligence.
Despite all such odds nobody could stop the emergence of natural beauty of the spring season. The lucky green patches with bare plants and trees are now wearing a greenish look with tiny buds and leaves, a promising symbol of beautiful life. The spring season also coincided with the birth anniversary of world renowned Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz.
These lines of the poet describe the spring season as follows:
-- And then came the spring
-- And it was if, with the returning life
-- There returned, from the world beyond
-- All the dreams and all the passions
-- (A pictorial tribute to old Lahore)
The National Art Gallery, offers a wonderful exhibition of art created by eminent painter Ajaz Anwar. The artist has dedicated the event to his legendary teacher and world class painter Sir Bernard Feilden (1919-2008).
Over 30 canvases, in charming water colors, depict the glory of Lahore, usually called the cultural centre of Pakistan. As a sensitive painter and a student of architecture Ajaz Anwar realises the sensibilities and significance of ancient heritage of a nation. He believes in the continuity of cultural traditions of a society. They urge him to study the heritage of Lahore and translate them into colors for the posterity.
In the exhibition some paintings are titled Basant over Qila Gujar Singh, Nihal Chand Jharoka, Urdu Bazar, Dinga Singh Building, Fruit sellers of Lahore, Gawalmandi Jharoka and Tolinton Market etc. They really depict the old Lahore, its life full of fun and joy and the cultural taste of its citizens. Most of his work highlight the architectural beauty and craftsmanship in jewel like intricacies of wood carvings, mouldings, balconies, jharokas and pathways etc. Kamran Lashari, chief commissioner of Islamabad, who is credited of with the introduction of the food streets in Lahore. He spoke about the glory of the city of Lahore and urged for its conservation. While commenting on the exhibition he said, "Anwar is playing a magnificent role in reviving the old culture and life of Lahoriites through his brush strokes. He has candidly displayed the magic of living standard and art and cultural values of Lahore".
PNCA chief executive and director general Naeem Tahir, while welcoming the guests' spoke about the ongoing projects of the institution. He called for the preservation of ancient heritage of the country, including Lahore. Naeem Tahir praised the art of Ajaz Anwar.
Ajaz Anwar is a seasoned painter and a teacher who has developed a special taste for the genre of cityscape in visual arts. He did his masters in fine arts from the university of the Punjab with gold medal and earned Ph.D in Islamic architecture from Turkey. He also got training in the conservation of cultural heritage of Italy under the auspices of UNESCO. He has the credit of participating in numerous group and solo exhibitions at home and abroad. The government has awarded him President's medal for Pride of Performance.
The exhibition also coincided with a three-day workshop on water color painting by the artist from February 17 to 19. The exhibition would continue until March 29. Stage play 'naql e makani' (shifting of abode) The Dolphin Communications, with its dynamic producer Asma Butt, has been engaged in the promotion of healthy and family oriented theatre in the country, especially in the twin cities.
This time Dolphin has come up with a stage play called 'Naql e Makani' based on the story of by Rajinder Singh Bedi, a legendary writer of the sub-continent. The three day play attracted a large number of people. The story of the play revolves around a couple hailing from a lower middle class of the society.
They hired a small house. Both the man and wife were unaware of the past history of the place. It was ironic when they found a person knocking at the door as customer who used to visit the place for making fun. The couple was much embarrassed but with the passage of time and due to its own financial constraints it accepted the situation. The play depicts the agonies of the downtrodden people of our society.
Aftab Anwar, a young director, did his job well. He has a good number of family oriented stage plays to his credit. Touqir Nasir, executive director and an eminent artist in his own right and a distinguished poet and director of PNCA Hasan Abbas Raza are determined to make the auditorium a great centre of cultural activities.
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