ISLAMABAD, AUG 7 /DNA/ – Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), under the National Heritage & Culture Division, organized a solemn tribute ceremony titled “A Lifetime Tribute to Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood (Late)” at the National Art Gallery, PNCA, Islamabad, to celebrate the extraordinary life, work, and legacy of one of Pakistan’s most respected artists, educators, researchers, and mentors.
The event brought together eminent artists, academicians, architects, researchers, students, family members, and members of the cultural community to honour Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s lifelong dedication to the advancement of visual arts and art education in Pakistan.
Welcoming the participants, Ms. Mariam Ahmed, Director, Visual Arts Division, PNCA, described Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood is an exceptional artist, teacher, and mentor whose contributions have shaped generations of artists and enriched Pakistan’s artistic discourse. She welcomed the family of the late professor, including Ms. Aamna Isani, his daughter, invited the audience to observe a minute of silence and offer prayers for the departed soul.
The ceremony was moderated by Dr. Mahmoona Khan, who reflected on Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s profound influence on his students and colleagues. She remarked that he had been a guiding force throughout their academic and professional journeys, describing him as a mentor whose wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support would continue to illuminate the path for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s students and colleagues, Dr. Mahmoona Khan remembered him as a self-made, humble, and compassionate individual whose commitment to teaching remained steadfast for more than six decades, from 1964 until 2026. She highlighted his remarkable academic journey, spanning institutions including the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, the University of Jeddah, the International Islamic University Malaysia, and the University College of Art & Design, University of the Punjab. She emphasized that while the gathering was marked by deep sorrow, it was held not to mourn but to celebrate the inspiring life of a teacher who believed in optimism, generosity, and the transformative power of education. She also expressed gratitude to Director General PNCA Mr. M. Ayoub Jamali, Ms. Mariam Ahmed and the entire PNCA team for organizing the tribute promptly in response to a single request.
Ms. Aamna Isani (Daughter of Dr. Shauqat Mahmood) came from Karachi to join the event, was very grateful to PNCA, and Dr. Mamoona Khan for organizing this reference for her father.
The tribute featured heartfelt reflections by distinguished speakers, including Ar. Abdul Qayum, Dr. Sumera Jawad, Dr. Shaida Mansoor, Dr. Naela Aamir, Dr. Nadeem Alam, Zarar Babri, Attia Abrar, and Dr. Mahmoona Khan, who addressed the audience in person. Dr. Rahat Naveed Masud, Dr. Safia Raheem, Dr. Nadra Shahbaz, Dr. Anila Zulfiqar and Muhammad Javaid conveyed their tributes through recorded video messages, sharing personal memories and acknowledging Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s invaluable contributions as an artist, educator, researcher, and mentor. They praised his lifelong dedication to art education, his generosity in guiding students and scholars, and his enduring influence on Pakistan’s visual arts community.
The speakers noted that Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood devoted his life to nurturing young talent, promoting research, and strengthening Pakistan’s visual arts landscape. His scholarship, artistic vision, humility, and dedication to education have left an indelible mark on countless artists, educators, and researchers across Pakistan and abroad.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed soul and a collective reaffirmation of PNCA’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the lives and contributions of Pakistan’s eminent cultural figures. The participants expressed confidence that the legacy of Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood will continue to inspire future generations of artists, educators, and cultural practitioners, ensuring that his lifelong devotion to art and learning remains a guiding light for years to come.
