Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Fine Art Committee organized a special tribute ceremony in honor of the celebrated artist Meher Afroz at the Haseena Moin Hall. The event acknowledged her remarkable services to the world of art. The ceremony was attended by leading art figures, including Chairman Fine Art Committee Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, Zohra Hussain, Noorjehan Bilgrami, Nusrat Khwaja, and Niilofur Farrukh, all of whom shared their thoughts on Meher Afroz’s artistic legacy. The event was moderated by Amra Ali, and a large number of artists and art enthusiasts were present.
Special video messages were delivered by prominent personalities such as Salman Asif, Rahat Naveed, and Salima Hashmi.
Speaking on the occasion, Niilofur Farrukh expressed her gratitude to the Arts Council for recognizing an artist of international acclaim. “Meher’s career began with an exhibition at this very building of the Arts Council. She has never compromised on the integrity of her work and remains a symbol of strength in the art world,” she said.
Zohra Hussain highlighted Meher Afroz’s deep knowledge of Urdu and Persian literature, which strongly influences her artwork. “She came to Pakistan in 1971 during a vibrant era for female artists. Her art tackles themes such as class divides, societal misconceptions, and eventually religion,” she said.
Noorjehan Bilgrami recalled the early days of the Arts Council when it was a modest venue but rich in artistic culture, frequented by legends like Bashir Mirza and Sadequain. She also noted her 52-year-long association with Meher Afroz.
In her video message, Salima Hashmi lauded Meher as a committed artist whose work resonates year after year. “She brings her work to audiences with courage and consistency. An artist’s life is one of thought and reflection, and we are fortunate to be her contemporaries,” she said.
Salman Asif praised the Arts Council and Mohammad Ahmed Shah for organizing an event celebrating one of the most intellectually and creatively significant painters of the present era. “Meher Afroz’s painting embodies a tradition that requires vivid imagination, deep empathy, and a constant engagement with human life,” he said.
At the conclusion of the event, Farrukh Tanveer Shahab presented flowers to Meher Afroz on behalf of the Arts Council and thanked all attendees.
In her address, Meher Afroz reflected on her upbringing in Lucknow, where Muharram is observed with profound intensity. She spoke of the scholarly and literary richness of the city and mentioned how legendary marsiya writers like Mir Anis brought valor to life through words. “Without role models, a nation becomes fragmented,” she noted. “As we grow older, we tend to lose our sense of self and forget who we truly are.”
Sharing a powerful message, she said: “If you are not on the side of truth, it does not matter whether you are in a mosque or a Club —there is no difference.” She emphasized that as human beings, our duty is not only to take but also to give. “Without ethics, a human is merely a statue. Integrity and principle are the true sources of happiness and contentment in life,” she concluded.
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