ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), under the National Heritage and Culture Division, organised a solemn ceremony titled “A Lifetime Tribute to Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood (Late)” at the National Art Gallery, PNCA, Islamabad, to celebrate the life, work and legacy of one of Pakistan’s respected artists, educators, researchers and mentors.
The event brought together eminent artists, academicians, architects, researchers, students, family members and members of the cultural community to honour Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s lifelong dedication to the advancement of visual arts and art education in Pakistan.
Welcoming the participants, Ms Mariam Ahmed, Director, Visual Arts Division, PNCA, described Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood as an exceptional artist, teacher and mentor whose contributions shaped generations of artists and enriched Pakistan’s artistic discourse. She welcomed the family of the late professor, including his daughter Ms Aamna Isani, and invited the audience to observe a minute of silence and offer prayers for the departed soul.
The ceremony was moderated by Dr Mahmoona Khan, who reflected on Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s profound influence on his students and colleagues. She said he had been a guiding force throughout their academic and professional journeys, describing him as a mentor whose wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support would continue to illuminate the path for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s students and colleagues, Dr Mahmoona Khan remembered him as a self-made, humble and compassionate individual whose commitment to teaching remained steadfast for more than six decades, from 1964 until 2026. She highlighted his academic journey across institutions including the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, the University of Jeddah, the International Islamic University Malaysia, and the University College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab.
She said that while the gathering was marked by deep sorrow, it was held not to mourn but to celebrate the inspiring life of a teacher who believed in optimism, generosity and the transformative power of education. She also expressed gratitude to Director General PNCA Mr M. Ayoub Jamali, Ms Mariam Ahmed and the entire PNCA team for organising the tribute promptly in response to a single request.
Ms Aamna Isani, daughter of Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood, travelled from Karachi to attend the event. She expressed gratitude to PNCA and Dr Mahmoona Khan for organising the reference for her father.
The tribute featured reflections by distinguished speakers, including Ar. Abdul Qayum, Dr Sumera Jawad, Dr Shaida Mansoor, Dr Naela Aamir, Dr Nadeem Alam, Zarar Babri, Attia Abrar and Dr Mahmoona Khan, who addressed the audience in person.
Dr Rahat Naveed Masud, Dr Safia Raheem, Dr Nadra Shahbaz, Dr Anila Zulfiqar and Muhammad Javaid conveyed their tributes through recorded video messages. They shared personal memories and acknowledged Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s contributions as an artist, educator, researcher and mentor. They also praised his lifelong dedication to art education, his generosity in guiding students and scholars, and his lasting influence on Pakistan’s visual arts community.
Speakers noted that Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood devoted his life to nurturing young talent, promoting research and strengthening Pakistan’s visual arts landscape. They said his scholarship, artistic vision, humility and dedication to education had left an indelible mark on countless artists, educators and researchers across Pakistan and abroad.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed soul and a collective reaffirmation of PNCA’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the lives and contributions of Pakistan’s eminent cultural figures.
Participants expressed confidence that the legacy of Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood would continue to inspire future generations of artists, educators and cultural practitioners, ensuring that his lifelong devotion to art and learning remains a guiding light for years to come.
