Palestinian Ambassador Opens “Art for Life – Art for Gaza” Artists Camp Amid Fragile Geopolitics
Islamabad : A rare moment of art-led diplomacy unfolded at the Silk Road Culture Centre as the week-long humanitarian Artists Camp, Art for Life – Art for Gaza, opened with solemn grace and symbolic resonance.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Zuhair Zaid, and his Deputy Ambassador graced the opening ceremony, with ex-Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed as Chief Guest. Deputy Ambassador of Iran with his Cultural Attaché was also in attendance along with a large number of artists, writers, musicians, painters and gentry, in what many saw as a quiet reaffirmation of cultural solidarity amidst stormy international relations.
The Camp, themed “Nakba Remain”, is dedicated to the artistic heritage and spiritual resilience of Gaza’s people. Hosted by SilkRoad Culture Centre and led by veteran artist and cultural visionary Jamal Shah, the Camp brings together over 30 multidisciplinary artists and global thought leaders over the course of this 8-day Artists Camp.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Palestine, followed by an emotionally charged welcome by Mr. Shah. A series of video messages from international scholars paid tribute to the unifying power of art in times of crisis.
Interacting with media, Ambassador Zaid said, “While our official ties remain governed by international obligations, this Camp is a humanitarian expression — it transcends politics. The people of Palestine do not stand for violence; we stand for life, art, dignity and peace. Let art do what diplomacy cannot — open hearts.”
Participating artists also offered powerful reflections:
Arieb Azhar, musician, revealed: “I’m composing melodies rooted in Sufi and Palestinian folklore. Music binds souls, and I hope mine echoes the unheard cries of Gaza’s children.”
Qasim Khan, a renowned theatre artist and stand-up comedian, declared: “My workshop will stage movement-based narratives on memory and displacement — stories of Gazan mothers told through silent theatre.”
A participating painter working with sand and glass will be utilizing these fragile materials to mirror Gaza’s beauty and volatility. “Every stroke speaks of survival.”, she said. Another participating poet intends to write a daily haiku for Gaza. “Poetry must condense agony into empathy. If one verse touches one conscience, it is enough”, says he/
Artworks will be curated into a public exhibition and charity auction. Proceeds will go toward aid for Gaza’s children.
The Camp continues until May 7.
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[EVENT RECAP] Day 1: “Art for Life – Art for Gaza” Camp Opens.
Cautious Yet Clear: A Diplomatic Balancing Act with Ambassador of Palestine as Chief Guest
April 30, 2025 | Silk Road Culture Centre, Islamabad
Today marked a powerful beginning to the Artists Camp “Art for Life – Art for Gaza”, under the theme “Nakba Remain”, with the arrival of Dr. Zuhair Zaid, the Ambassador of Palestine, who led the opening ceremony along with his Deputy Ambassador, with ex-Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed as the Chief Guest, and Deputy Ambassador of Iran with his Cultural Attaché in attendance.
The day unfolded with emotional renditions of the national anthems of Pakistan and Palestine, a compelling welcome address by SRCC Chairman Jamal Shah, and thought-provoking video messages from international allies of cultural peace.
Key Moment: Media Interaction with Ambassador Zaid
“This is a cultural assembly, not a political one,” Dr. Zaid told journalists. “We are here to preserve the dignity and spirit of Gaza’s people — through colors, rhythm, silence, and soul. We trust that humanity will resonate beyond headlines.”
Artist Spotlights:
Arieb Azhar: Creating collaborative music sessions blending Palestinian resistance poetry with South Asian mysticism.
Qasim Khan: Leading theatrical improvisation sessions on loss and inherited trauma.
Sajjal Kiyani: Launching a live art installation using deconstructed maps and family heirlooms of displaced Palestinians.
Poet Haris Khalique: Sharing poetry inspired by exile, faith, and memory — “Ink instead of ashes,” she says.
Up Next:
Interactive workshops
Open mic sessions
Live-streamed international artist dialogues
Join the Conversation: #ArtForGaza #NakbaRemain #ArtForLife
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Voices of Artistic Resistance
Workshops | Art Exhibition | Interactive Installations
Public Festival & Auction for Gaza’s Children