TEHRAN -- A tribute ceremony honoring Sadequain, one of Pakistan’s most prominent contemporary artists and calligraphers, was held here at the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI). The ceremony also marked the opening of an exhibition of the renowned Pakistani artist’s works.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui inaugurated the exhibition during the ceremony.
In his remarks, Siddiqui highlighted the deep historical roots of calligraphy in the cultural heritage of the region, noting that Pakistan has inherited a rich calligraphic tradition in which poetry, faith and visual expression have long been closely intertwined.
He said Sadequain transformed this heritage by bringing classical calligraphy into the realm and language of modern art. Through his distinctive compositions, works inspired by the poetry of Mirza
 Ghalib, Allama Iqbal and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and his monumental Qur’anic calligraphy, Sadequain demonstrated how a tradition could be creatively reinterpreted and renewed while preserving its essential spirit.
The Pakistani ambassador also emphasized the role of culture as a bridge between nations, noting that language and writing have transcended geographical and national boundaries throughout history and helped connect the peoples of Pakistan and Iran.
The ceremony, titled “A Look at the Life, Art and Enduring Legacy of Sadequain,” was held to introduce different aspects of the artist’s life and career and examine his place in contemporary Pakistani art.
According to information published by the Sadequain Foundation, the artist created more than 15,000 works, including paintings, drawings, calligraphy and murals. More than 45 murals were created by Sadequain during his career in Pakistan, India, the Middle East, Europe and other regions.
The program concluded with the opening of the exhibition at the ECO Cultural Institute Gallery, featuring a selection of Sadequain’s paintings, painterly calligraphy and calligraphic works.
The exhibition and tribute program were organized in collaboration with the Sadequain Foundation and the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) as part of the ECO Cultural Institute’s efforts to promote cultural and artistic cooperation among the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).