By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Friday organized a solemn tribute ceremony titled “A Lifetime Tribute to Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood (Late)” at the National Art Gallery to celebrate the extraordinary life, work and legacy of one of Pakistan’s most respected artists, educators, researchers and mentors.
The ceremony brought together eminent artists, academicians, architects, researchers, students, family members and members of the cultural community to honour Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s lifelong services for the promotion of visual arts and art education in Pakistan. Welcoming the participants, Director Visual Arts Division PNCA, Mariam Ahmed, 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 late professor’s family, including his daughter Aamna Isani, requested the audience to observe a minute’s silence and offered prayers for the departed soul.
PNCA pays glowing tribute to renowned artist, educator Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood
The ceremony was moderated by Dr. Mahmoona Khan, who highlighted Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s profound influence on his students and colleagues. She said he remained a guiding force throughout their academic and professional journeys, adding that his wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support would continue to inspire future generations.
PNCA pays glowing tribute to renowned artist, educator Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood
Speaking on behalf of Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s students and colleagues, Dr. Mahmoona Khan remembered him as a self-made, humble and compassionate teacher whose commitment to education remained steadfast for more than six decades, from 1964 to 2026. She highlighted his distinguished academic career at 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 the gathering was not merely to mourn his passing but to celebrate the inspiring life of a teacher who believed in optimism, generosity and the transformative power of education. She also thanked Director General PNCA M. Ayoub Jamali, Mariam Ahmed and the entire PNCA team for arranging the tribute ceremony promptly in response to a single request. Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s daughter, Aamna Isani, who travelled from Karachi to attend the ceremony, expressed gratitude to PNCA and Dr. Mahmoona Khan for organizing the reference in honour of her father.
The tribute featured heartfelt reflections by distinguished speakers, including Architect Abdul Qayum, Dr. Sumera Jawad, Dr. Shaida Mansoor, Dr. Naela Aamir, Dr. Nadeem Alam, Zarar Babri, Attia Abrar and Dr. Mahmoona Khan. Dr. Rahat Naveed Masud, Dr. Safia Raheem, Dr. Nadra Shahbaz, Dr. Anila Zulfiqar and Muhammad Javaid shared their tributes through recorded video messages, recalling personal memories and acknowledging Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s invaluable contributions as an artist, educator, researcher and mentor.
The speakers unanimously observed 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 lifelong dedication to education had left an enduring mark on countless artists, educators and researchers in Pakistan and abroad.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed soul and a renewed commitment by PNCA to preserve and celebrate the lives and contributions of Pakistan’s eminent cultural figures. The participants expressed confidence that Prof. Dr. Shaukat Mahmood’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of artists, educators and cultural practitioners, ensuring that his lifelong devotion to art and learning remained a guiding light for years to come.
