MARDAN: The first international conference on global art, design and cultural heritage, jointly organized by Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan and Women University Mardan, has concluded in Khanspur, Galyat, after bringing together researchers, artists and academics from Pakistan and several other countries.
A total of 57 research papers were presented during the two-day conference, while more than 100 national and international artists displayed their work in an exhibition featuring calligraphy, painting, sketches, textile art, digital art and 3D painting.
Researchers and experts from Italy, Turkey, Ireland, Peru, Uganda and Afghanistan also presented papers at the conference.
Artists and Universities Showcase Their Work
Prominent Pakistani artists and art professionals also participated in the exhibition, including General (retd) Humayun Bangash, Major General (retd) Dr Farooq Sir, Dr Sameera Jawad, Dr Rifat Dar, Tayyaba Aziz, Saleem Khattak, Dr Faheem Tufail, Asfandyar Effendi, Yunus Masood and Fateh Javed, among others.
Artists and students from several universities and educational institutions across Pakistan also presented their work.
Participating institutions included the National College of Arts Lahore, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, Islamia University Bahawalpur, University of the Punjab, University of Peshawar, University of Faisalabad, International Islamic University Islamabad, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, University of Buner, Lahore College for Women University, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, University of Sindh Jamshoro, Home Economics University, Sialkot University, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan and Women University Mardan.
Research Sessions Explore Art, Language and Culture
The final day featured academic and research sessions covering art, culture, language, music, drama, history and social issues.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Professor Dr Nasir Jamal and former Commissioner Mardan Dr Javed Marwat attended the closing session as special guests.
Dr Gulzar Jalal presented a research paper examining the 100-year journey of Pashto drama, while renowned poet and intellectual Abasin Yousafzai and Dr Bakhtzada Danish discussed the Pashto language and its literary and cultural dimensions.
Other sessions explored Indian music, gender studies, Pakhto Tappa, Pakhto Khel and the Saraiki language. Dr Rashida spoke on gender studies, while the grandson of renowned artist Ustad Allah Bakhsh discussed his artistic legacy and heritage.
Art Highlighted as Part of Cultural Heritage
Women University Mardan Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Razia Sultana discussed the relationship between art and history, saying art serves not only as a form of aesthetic expression but also contributes to preserving the history, civilization and collective consciousness of societies.
The conference was attended by vice chancellors and senior figures from higher education, including Hazara University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ikramullah Khan Marwat, University of Buner Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Jamshed Ali Khan and AJK University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Jamal.
Universities Urged to Promote Art and Research
Addressing the closing ceremony, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Jamil Ahmed thanked researchers, artists, teachers, students and other participants from Pakistan and abroad.
He also appreciated the efforts of the conference organizers, including Principal Fazal Sattar Durrani, Asfandyar Effendi, Sinan and Halima Ikram.
Professor Dr Jamil Ahmed said art and culture form an important part of the identity and heritage of societies and called for greater collaboration among universities to promote fine arts, culture and research.
He indicated that similar international conferences and academic and cultural activities could be organized in the future, with universities encouraged to work together to strengthen research and cultural initiatives.
The two-day conference provided a platform for artists, researchers and academics from Pakistan and other countries to exchange views on art, culture, language and history through research presentations, exhibitions and academic and cultural activities.