Islamabad, August 5, 2026: Nearly 200 young student artists from across Pakistan took part in a painting competition titled “Conflict Through Art” to mark Kashmir Exploitation Day, highlighting different aspects of the Kashmir issue through their artwork.
The competition was organised by the Youth Forum for Kashmir in collaboration with the Institute of Home Economics and Design. The participating artists used their creative expression to depict the humanitarian challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, alleged human rights violations, and the situation arising after the revocation of the region’s special constitutional status.
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony. The event was also attended by Kashmir Institute of International Relations Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani, Youth Forum for Kashmir Executive Director Zaman Bajwa, Institute of Home Economics and Design Principal Rozina Faheem, Adviser to the Minister for Youth Affairs Azam Gulra, and people from various walks of life.
Addressing the ceremony, Wajiha Qamar said that voices could be suppressed, but colours always left their impact. She paid tribute to the young artists, saying they had presented the story of Kashmir in an effective manner through their creative abilities.
She said the artworks reflected the struggle, courage and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Paying tribute to late Syed Ali Gilani, she said his life was a guiding light and recalled his historic statement: “We are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours.”
Wajiha Qamar further said that India was using fifth-generation warfare and misleading propaganda to distance young people from facts.
Speaking on the occasion, Altaf Hussain Wani said Pakistan had always extended strong support to the Kashmir cause. He said the revocation of the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir was a violation of international laws.
He urged the younger generation to seriously study the historical, legal and political aspects of the Kashmir issue and promote research on the subject.
Youth Forum for Kashmir Executive Director Zaman Bajwa, while explaining the objectives of the painting competition, said art and culture were powerful means of creating public awareness and highlighting the Kashmir issue effectively.
He expressed the hope that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would one day bear fruit.
During the ceremony, Wajiha Qamar inaugurated the painting exhibition and later distributed prizes among the young artists who showed outstanding performance in the competition.
