By Meng Fanrong

ISLAMABAD, Jan 10 (China Economic Net) – A vibrant tapestry of ink, color, and shared heritage unfolded at the Islamabad Museum on January 8 with the inauguration of the Pakistan-China Friendship Calligraphy and Paintings Exhibition, themed “Hero Mudan.” The exhibition, a visual symphony celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, was met with widespread acclaim.

The Pakistan-China Friendship Calligraphy and Paintings Exhibition themed “Hero Mudan” [Photo provided to CEN]

Jointly curated by Dr. Shaista Haider of Pakistan and Ms. Wang Chunping of China, the exhibition features 150 works that masterfully intertwine traditional Chinese art disciplines with modern Pakistani sensibilities. The collection represents a dialogue of cultures, featuring elegant Quranic calligraphy alongside vibrant paintings of bees, birds, butterflies, and the exhibition’s namesake—the peony, or “Mudan.” In Chinese culture, the peony is revered as the “king of flowers,” symbolizing prosperity, peace, and beauty.

The exhibition’s layout carries profound symbolic weight. The artworks are divided between two halls, each housing 75 pieces—a direct and elegant nod to the 75-year milestone of the "ironclad" Pakistan-China friendship.

Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for Pakistan’s Ministry of National Heritage & Culture, graced the opening ceremony. In her remarks, she highlighted the foundational role of cultural exchange. “Pakistan places great importance on cultural engagement with China, which serves as a vital pillar of our longstanding bilateral relationship,” Akbar stated.

The Pakistan-China Friendship Calligraphy and Paintings Exhibition themed “Hero Mudan” [Photo provided to CEN]

The event drew a distinguished gathering, including Mr. Wang Shengjie, Head of the Political & Press Section at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan. The presence of diplomats from various countries alongside leading academics, artists, and cultural figures underlines the regional significance of this cultural diplomacy effort.

Following its run in Islamabad until January 10, the “Hero Mudan” exhibition will travel to Quetta, Balochistan Province, further extending the cultural dialogue to other regions of Pakistan.