Vitebsk, Belarus – July 11, 2024
The Embassy of Pakistan in Minsk, in collaboration with the Museum of History of Private Collections in Vitebsk, opened the art exhibition on the theme “Cultural Diversity and Landscapes of Pakistan.” The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 100 guests, including cultural enthusiasts, art lovers, media representatives, and expatriate Pakistanis.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Belarus, H.E. Sajjad Haider Khan, Tatiana Starinskaya, Director of the Vitebsk Regional Museum, and Piotr Podgurskiy, Head of the Cultural Department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.
Over fifty art pieces by prominent Pakistani artists, including Amir Kamal, Ayesha Kamal, Erum Ashfaque, and Farheen Kanwal, are on display in the exhibition. Additionally, a diverse range of artifacts, including truck artwork, onyx, brass items, and salt lamps, are being showcased, reflecting the vibrant arts and crafts of Pakistan.
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Khan highlighted the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Pakistan, describing it as a multicultural, multilingual, and religiously diverse society. He mentioned Pakistan as home to some of the most sacred religious places for Sikh, Buddhist, and Hindu communities, alongside numerous churches, mosques, and shrines that reflect a heritage of coexistence and mutual respect.
The Ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayas in the north to the serene beaches of the Arabian Sea in the south. He expressed his gratitude to the talented artists from Pakistan whose exceptional works are featured in the exhibition and thanked the Belarusian government for their unwavering support in holding the exhibition. This is the fourth year of Pakistan’s consecutive participation in the annual Slavainski Bazaar in Vitebsk, considered one of the most famous festivals in the country. The exhibition will last until August 15, 2024.