Arts Council Hosts Watercolour Exhibition Showcasing Karachi’s Heritage

 By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a watercolour art exhibition by renowned artist Hamir Soomro, titled “Celebrating the Heritage of Karachi – Volume 3”, at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery.

The exhibition was inaugurated by President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, alongside the featured artist. The event drew a distinguished audience, including Consul General of Japan Hattori Masaru, Consul General of Italy Fabrizio Bielli, Director General MOFA Irfan Soomro, Chairman Fine Arts Committee Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, as well as a large number of artists, diplomats, and art enthusiasts.

Featuring 71 watercolour works, the exhibition captured Karachi’s iconic architectural heritage, with paintings of Flagstaff House, St. Patrick’s Church, Khaliq Dina Hall, Denso Hall and other historical landmarks serving as the main attraction.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Ahmed Shah expressed gratitude to the participating artists and media, noting that Hamir Soomro stands out for his dedication to preserving heritage through art. “Hamir Soomro is an exceptional artist who does not sell his work, which makes his contribution even more valuable,” he said.

In his remarks, Hamir Soomro said he felt compelled to document Karachi’s architectural gems as many heritage structures are gradually vanishing from the cityscape. He emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, “People walk past these buildings every day without realizing their beauty. We must value this heritage.”

He added that Karachi remains a city of enormous potential. “We have ample resources—Karachi is a beautiful city, and with collective ownership and responsibility, it can become even more beautiful,” he remarked.