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During the Colours of Pakistan – Dastaan-e-Watan exhibition at the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha, Haroon Rashid Qureshi, Editor-in-Chief of Rahbar Kisan International (RKI), interviewed Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar, H.E Muhammad Aamer, and Pakistani artists living in Qatar.
The interviews highlight their artistic journeys, inspirations, achievements and experiences in Qatar, reflecting the contribution of Pakistani artists to the country’s cultural landscape.
From painting and miniature art to calligraphy, each artist shared a unique story of passion and creativity. Ambassador Aamer spoke about recognising Pakistani talent and strengthening cultural and people-to-people bonds between Pakistan and Qatar.
RKI presents highlights from these exclusive interviews.
Ambassador Aamer: Pakistani Artists Are Hidden Gems
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Muhammad Aamer, has highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community in Qatar and stressed the importance of recognising and supporting Pakistani artists.
Speaking during the Colours of Pakistan – Dastaan-e-Watan exhibition at the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha, Ambassador Aamer said the event gave Qatar-based Pakistani artists an opportunity to showcase their talent while celebrating the strong friendship between Pakistan and Qatar.
He said approximately 300,000 Pakistanis live and work in Qatar in different sectors. For many, Qatar has become a second home, while their contribution has strengthened people-to-people relations between the two countries.
The Ambassador noted that many Pakistani artists also live in Qatar and contribute to its cultural landscape. He said the Embassy organised the exhibition on September 6 to bring Pakistani artists together and provide them a platform to display their work.
He described it as a meaningful initiative to recognise Pakistani artists and encourage their creativity. He said the Embassy should become an ambassador for Pakistani artists and help them take their activities beyond the Embassy to other platforms.
Ambassador Aamer confirmed that all participating artists are Pakistani and live in Qatar, with some born in the country. He said the Embassy made an effort to identify talented artists and bring them together.
Describing the artists as “hidden gems,” he said their talent deserves greater recognition and support. He emphasised that the Embassy belongs to the Pakistani community and should continue creating opportunities for talented Pakistanis.
He encouraged Pakistani artists to continue developing their work and making greater use of opportunities in Qatar. He said such initiatives reflect the love and national spirit of Pakistanis living abroad.
“Long live our Pakistan and long live our friendship with Qatar,” he said.
His message captured the spirit of the exhibition: celebrating Pakistani artistic talent while strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Qatar.
Muznah Brings Pakistan to Life Through Art
Muznah Hasnat is a Qatar-based Pakistani artist who developed a passion for painting in childhood. Originally from Rawalpindi, she has lived in Qatar for 19 years and began her professional art career around five years ago.
The daughter of a retired colonel, Muznah holds a Master’s degree in MFA Graphic Design and a diploma in Professional Painting from Punjab University, Lahore.
Painting is her way to express ideas and emotions. She mainly works with oil and acrylic paints. She begins with an idea and rough sketch, then selects the medium and colours.
One of her notable works was displayed at the Colours of Pakistan – Dastaan-e-Watan exhibition at the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha. She experimented with mixed media, using jute and tea leaves along with paints and images.
The artwork brings together symbols of Pakistan, including K2, Lahore’s Food Street, Minar-e-Pakistan and a traditional Pakistani truck. Through these elements, Muznah presented Pakistan’s cultural identity and heritage on a single canvas.
Her artistic journey in Qatar has included exhibitions and competitions. She won first place in a five-station competition with the Red Crescent and secured sixth position in a Qatar Museums-related competition involving 12 participants.
For Muznah, art remains a journey of creativity, learning and expressing her connection with Pakistan.
Shadia Preserves Pakistan’s Miniature Tradition
Shadia Zaheer, a Pakistani artist from Sialkot, Punjab, has dedicated herself to traditional miniature painting. A graduate of the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, she completed her degree in Miniature Painting.
After marriage, she moved to Qatar. Raising young children limited her time for miniature painting, but she explored other forms while keeping her passion alive.
Her decision to specialise in miniature painting developed during her studies at NCA. She was attracted by its unique character, detailed technique and rich cultural history.
She was particularly inspired by Mughal art and historic manuscripts. She explains that miniature painting was historically associated with royal courts, where artists recorded important events and rulers’ lives, becoming valuable records of history and culture.
According to Shadia, NCA’s four-year Miniature Painting programme has helped preserve and promote this traditional art form in Pakistan. She believes the patience, discipline and attention to detail make miniature painting distinctive.
When she came to Qatar in 1995, opportunities for artists were limited. Portraits and human figures had fewer opportunities for public display, while much of her work involved these subjects.
She continued developing her skills. Over the years, Qatar’s artistic environment evolved, providing greater opportunities to showcase work.
Her participation in the current exhibition at the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha is her first there. She has previously participated in six or seven group exhibitions in Qatar.
Shadia believes miniature painting is gradually receiving greater attention in Qatar. She hopes audiences will appreciate its colours, history, detail and cultural significance.
For Shadia, preserving this centuries-old tradition keeps Pakistan’s cultural heritage alive for future generations.
Shela’s Calligraphy Journey in Qatar
Shela Khalid Khan is a Pakistani artist and calligrapher based in Qatar. She also serves as ambassador for the UNESCO International Art Fair Greece Qatar chapter. Her interest in art began during childhood, when she participated in competitions and won several awards, although she had no formal art education.
After marriage, she moved to Qatar and became interested in calligraphy. What began as a hobby gradually developed into a serious artistic passion.
Realising that proper guidance was essential, Shela undertook professional calligraphy training. She believes a good teacher or mentor plays an important role in developing an artist’s skills and confidence.
For more than 10 years, she has developed her artistic career in Qatar. She recalls having young children when she began pursuing her passion, but her love for art motivated her to continue.
Shela says recognition within the Pakistani community in Qatar gives her great satisfaction. She considers it the result of commitment and hard work.
She believes Qatar has become an important hub for art and that living in the country provided valuable opportunities. Exposure to Qatar’s cultural environment, interaction with artists and opportunities to display her work helped strengthen her confidence and talent.
She has witnessed growth in Qatar’s art scene and the increasing presence of Pakistani artists. She personally knows more than 10 Pakistani artists and believes many others are gradually gaining recognition.
For Shela, art is also becoming a family tradition. Her daughter has developed an interest in art, and Shela has started giving her calligraphy training. She wants her daughter to receive the guidance and opportunities she herself lacked.
She strongly believes parents should encourage children with a genuine passion for art. Training and encouragement can help young artists develop their abilities and confidence.
For Shela, her journey from childhood art competitions to becoming a recognised calligrapher in Qatar reflects passion, patience and continuous learning.
Gohar Revives Her Passion for Painting
Gohar Irsalan is a Qatar-based Pakistani artist who has practiced painting in Qatar for 10 years. She recently showcased her work at the Colours of Pakistan – Dastaan-e-Watan exhibition at the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha.
Although her academic background is in fashion and textiles, Gohar’s passion for painting began during childhood. She completed her FA in Fine Arts before studying fashion and textiles and working in the field in Pakistan.
After moving to Qatar, she returned to her childhood passion and developed her painting skills. Oil painting became her particular interest, while she also experimented with different techniques. For her latest works, she combined oil and acrylic paints.
The exhibition was Gohar’s second with the Pakistan Embassy in Qatar. She appreciates the Embassy’s support for Pakistani artists and its efforts to provide opportunities to showcase their talent.
For the latest exhibition, Gohar completed two paintings in just 14 days. After receiving the invitation, she developed her concepts and worked intensively to complete the artworks.
She believes exhibitions help artists reach wider audiences and remain connected to the Pakistani community.
Gohar is grateful to the Embassy of Pakistan for recognising Pakistani artists and providing them with a platform in Qatar.
Her journey from fashion and textiles to oil and mixed-media painting reflects how a childhood passion can develop into a meaningful artistic journey. After a decade in Qatar, she continues exploring new ideas and techniques.
All participating artists expressed their gratitude to the Embassy of Pakistan for providing them with this valuable opportunity to showcase their talent and represent Pakistan’s rich artistic and cultural heritage in Qatar.
