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    Kashf: Unveiling the Relics of Punjab and Sindh

    Written by: Momina Mindeel
    Posted on: March 14, 2016 |

    Exhibition 'Kashf' at Hast-o-Neest

    Hast-o-Neest, located off Main Boulevard Lahore, is an elegant house harboring an Institute of Traditional Studies and Arts. The institute is structured and organized into four centers, promoting and disseminating art, language, architecture, philosophy and metaphysics. On 11th, 12th and 13th of March, Hast-o-Neest witnessed a remarkable three-day exhibition titled Kashf, which was organized by ‘Hum-Aahang’ – a youth-led initiative for peace-building and the promotion of diversity and coexistence against intolerance, extremism and terrorism in Pakistan.

    The exhibition showcased 47 photographs of different shrines, forts, churches, Mandirs, as well as people of Sindh and South Punjab. The photographs were taken by Bilal Ahmed, a recent LUMS graduate, during one of the KhanaBadosh trips. All proceeds from this exhibition will be used to support Hum-Aahang’s ‘Project Youhanabad’ – a platform through which members engage and work with the underprivileged youth in Youhanabad and motivate them to pursue great things in life.   

    Exhibition Kashf at Hast-o-Neest Lahore

    Portraits showcasing the beauty of Sindh

    Kashf – literally meaning ‘unveiling’ – is an exhibition documenting our experiences in Khanabadosh,” told Minahil Mehdi, one of the organizers, to an intimate audience consisting of art aficionados, literature lovers and students. Khanabadosh is an annual 13-day trip to the shrines, temples, and places of cultural and historical importance in South Punjab, Cholistan, and Sindh. According to Ms. Mehdi, “It is a journey into Pakistan’s spiritual and cultural heartland, and for each individual, a pilgrimage into their own self. It covers shrines of Data Ganj Baksh, Baba Bulleh Shah, Baba Farid, Bahauddin Zakariya, Shah Shams Tabraiz, Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Sachal Sarmast, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Sadh Belo, as well as Churches including the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral and St. Patrick’s, Karachi”. The places visited include Sukkur, Thar, Nagarparkar, Thatta and Karachi.

    The concluding ceremony was held on the last day of the exhibition. The audience sat down in a circle, facing each other. The organizers, Minahil Mehdi and Faizaan Qayuum, showed their utmost gratitude to all those present. The session formally began when Mr. Yaseen, a student at Hast-o-Neest, mesmerized the audience with his Rubab playing skills. Throughout the remainder of the session, Yaseen subtly kept playing his Rubab in the background. Dim lights, an intimate gathering, and splendid music had a magical effect on the audience.

    Exhibition Kashf at Hast-o-Neest Lahore

    The classroom at Hast-o-Neest

    Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the guest speaker, Ms. Nudrat Majeed, could not make it to the exhibition. However, Junaid Alam – one of the curators – initiated an informal conversation session with the audience. He shed light on the difference between the concepts of civilization and modernity, and how the two are used interchangeably despite being two entirely different terms.

    The informal conversation session was followed by a story-telling session where some of the Khanabadoshies narrated their personal experiences while on the trip. Sunday’s story session was led by Nasir Abbas Sokhmir and Momina Mindeel, final year students at LUMS. Nasir talked about the warmth he attained during this spiritual journey, while Momina talked about how it made her aware of her unconnected body and soul.

    Exhibition Kashf at Hast-o-Neest Lahore

    Portraits of some of Pakistan's famous shrines

    Taimur Khan Mumtaz – one of the curators and founders of Hast-o-Neest – thanked the organizers for their commendable efforts for the promotion of tolerance and inter-faith harmony. The session concluded with Mr. Taimur playing remarkably soothing raag on his harmonium. “Even an elaborate set of words cannot convey an idea that an image can, in an instant”, commented Minahil Mehdi. “Although we are working on a book along the same lines as the exhibition, I feel pictures and portraits are a more powerful medium of communication.”


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021