The work of 16 major calligraphers from Pakistan will be displayed at an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy at Sheraton Hotel here from Oct.1-4. The exhibition is being organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the major centers of calligraphy in the Islamic World. It has produced calligraphers of great repute. Today, one of the most important artists of Pakistan is Khattat ul-Haram Al-Nabawi Al-Sharif, Ustad Shafiquzzaman. He was selected for the coveted position of Khattat ul-Haram 20 years ago through an open contest in which thousands of calligraphers from various nationalities participated, a press release issued by the consulate said. Arabic language and its script arrived in areas now comprising Pakistan in 712 CE. Since then, for over 13 centuries the tradition of calligraphy has been carefully fostered, nurtured and passed on to younger generations as a sacred gift and the most prominent ingredient in the cultural identity of the country. In older times Lahore, Multan, Thatta and Peshawar were great centers of Arabic calligraphy in Pakistan. Lately Karachi, with its unique style, has also been added to the list, the press release said.
