Pakistan High Commissioner: Artists are assets of a nation

Pakistan High Commissioner to Maldives Vice Admiral (Retired) Ather Mukhtar said on Wednesday that artists are assets of a nation. 

He made the comment during a visit to the ‘Unveiling Visions 2021’ - an art exhibition organized by the Maldivian Artist Community at the National Art Gallery in Male’ City. 

High Commissioner Mukhtar was accompanied on the visit by Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad and the Dhivehi Bahuge Acadamy’s President Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem. 

He was welcomed upon arrival by a representative of the Maldivian Artist Community. 

He toured and viewed the paintings and artworks on display, which he described as inspirational and reflective of the talent of the Maldivian youth. 

High Commissioner Mukhtar said that the art pieces at the exhibition were reflective of how the younger generation has been able to make their artistic endeavors a vehicle for disseminating constructive messages for societal wellbeing.  

“Artists are assets of any nation,” he said. 

He also said that art was the best way to connect people. 

"While Pakistan and Maldives have much things in common including faith, culture and historic links; the artists of both countries need to work together to learn from each other best experiences and avail the opportunities to excel and express their talents,” he said. 

Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad commented that painting, sculpture, literature and the other forms of art were considered to be the repository of a society's collective memory.  

High Commissioner Mukhtar, before concluding his visit, thanked the Maldivian Artist Community for the opportunity to enjoy the talents of Maldivian youth.