Rawalpindi, The Punjab Arts Council recently held its First Punjab Painting Competition 2024 at the Government Post Graduate College in Attock, showcasing the creativity and artistic talents of young individuals aged 16 to 35. The event featured themes such as early marriage, the importance of a small family for a prosperous Pakistan, poverty in Pakistan, the civilization and culture of Punjab, and the natural beauty of Pakistan, providing a platform for participants to express their perspectives and artistic insights on these significant issues.

According to Punjab Arts Council, the competition saw enthusiastic participation, with Sara Hafeez securing the first position, followed by Umm Salma and Saleha Tariq in second and third places, respectively. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by the Deputy Commissioner of Attock, Mr. Rao Atif Raza, who served as the chief guest. Notable attendees included Director of the Arts Council Waqar Ahmad, former Principal of the Government Post Graduate College Professor Majid Bhatti, and the Deputy Director of Colleges, among others.

Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza, in his address, emphasized the pivotal role of civilization and culture as reflections of a nation’s identity and heritage. He praised the Punjab Arts Council’s initiative in organizing the painting competition, highlighting its contribution to fostering peace and security within society through the promotion of positive civilizational and cultural values. He also extended his congratulations to the winners and expressed his best wishes for their success in upcoming divisional and provincial competitions.

Director of the Arts Council Waqar Ahmad remarked on the unique ability of painters to convey messages through colors, recognizing them as ambassadors of peace globally. He stressed the council’s commitment to unveiling the hidden talents of the youth by providing them with opportunities to showcase their work in competitions like these.

The event concluded with the chief guest distributing checks and certificates of appreciation to the winners, marking a significant step towards recognizing and encouraging the artistic talents of the youth in Punjab.