Saifullah Ansar
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts, in collaboration with Nomad Gallery, organized a retrospective exhibition of renowned Pakistani artist, painter and sculptor Akram Dost Baloch, curated by Nageen Hyat on 14th May 2026 at Gallery No. 1 & 3, PNCA, Islamabad.
The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Maen Khreasat, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as Chief Guest. He was accompanied by M. Ayoub Jamali, Director General PNCA, diplomats, artists, members of the civil society and art enthusiasts.
Speaking at the inauguration, H.E. Dr. Maen Khreasat said, “It is a privilege to inaugurate this retrospective of Akram Dost Baloch, whose work speaks powerfully to the resilience and cultural depth of Balochistan. Art has a unique ability to preserve identity and build bridges between peoples, and this exhibition is a testament to Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage. I commend PNCA and Nomad Gallery for bringing such important cultural narratives to the forefront.”
Ms. Nageen Hyat, Curator acknowledged the lifelong contribution of the artist and emphasized the importance of preserving and documenting the artistic heritage of Pakistan through collaborative cultural initiatives.
Mr. Aqeel Solangi, Visual Artist and Head of Fine Arts Department NCA Rawalpindi, said that Akram Dost Baloch work reflects the collective consciousness of Balochistan, exploring themes of identity, sociopolitical realities, and the human condition with remarkable depth and honesty. I see Akram Dost Sahab’s work as more real than reality itself — a space where one can search for deeper meanings and perhaps understand life a little better.
Akram Dost Baloch is regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading contemporary artists and a pioneering figure in the visual arts of Balochistan. Hailing from Nushki, he is widely known for his paintings and sculptures that portray the cultural identity, landscapes, and socio-political realities of Balochistan through a contemporary visual language rooted in traditional Baloch motifs, embroidery, weaving, and wood carving.
A graduate of National College of Arts, he served as a founding faculty member and former Chairperson of the Fine Arts Department at University of Balochistan. His distinguished contribution to the arts was recognized with the prestigious Pride of Performance in 2004 by the President of Pakistan.
His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, including exhibitions in Paris and participation in the Asian Art Biennale. The retrospective exhibition featured selected works from his acclaimed “Identity” series and other major bodies of work exploring themes of culture, memory, identity, and belonging, while also highlighting his academic research on traditional Baloch embroidery and handicrafts.
The exhibition was organized as part of the continued efforts of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts to promote Pakistan’s artistic heritage and recognize the services of senior artists who played a significant role in shaping the country’s cultural landscape.
The organizers also acknowledged the support of Bestway Group- Pakistan for sponsoring the exhibition and their contributing towards the promotion of arts and culture in Pakistan.
The exhibition is open for public viewing until 24th May 2026 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, except Fridays and Saturdays.
