PNCA - Pakistan National Council of the Arts

09/10/2026

**Cyanotype: The Art of Sun Printing ☀️**

*Important Update:* In view of the current political situation and prevailing uncertainty in Islamabad, the workshop has been rescheduled to **Friday, 23rd October**. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you for this creative, hands-on experience. Thank you for your patience and continued support.

Explore one of the oldest photographic printing techniques in this hands-on cyanotype workshop in Islamabad, led by artist and Rang Kadah founder Hajra Javeed (._.javeed).

Discover how sunlight and light-sensitive chemistry can transform everyday textures, transparent materials, and found objects into distinctive blue images — without a camera. 💙

Through demonstrations and guided experimentation, you’ll explore:

✨ Composition & image-making
🌿 Textures & transparency
🌓 Layering & exposure
☀️ Sun printing & cyanotype development

By the end of the workshop, you’ll create a series of 5–6 experimental cyanotype prints while exploring the relationship between light, material, and image-making.

No prior experience required!

📅 **Friday, 23rd October**
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), F-5/1, Islamabad
💳 Registration Fee: PKR 6,000
🖌 All materials and refreshments included.

⏰ Register by 20th October. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

👉 Register via the link in our bio or DM us to book your spot!

📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
📞 +92-51-9205273

07/10/2026

PNCA Outreach Programme – Educational Puppet Shows

Islamabad, 7 October 2026: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), through its National Puppet Theatre (NPT) and Children Art Workshop (CAW), presented colourful and educational puppet shows at OPF Girls College, Islamabad, on 6th and 7th October 2026, in collaboration with the Character Building Society.

The programme engaged approximately 4,500 students and highlighted important social and environmental issues, including drug addiction, climate change, cleanliness, healthy activities, reduced screen time and mental health awareness, along with elements of Pakistan’s rich folk culture.

On 7 October, Mr. Ayoub Jamali, Director General, PNCA, and Mr. Mahesh Kumar, Director General Education & Training, OPF, attended the programme and participated in an Awareness Walk on Drug Addiction. The distinguished guests also planted a sapling as a symbol of environmental responsibility.

PNCA and OPF Girls College also explored future collaborations through educational puppet shows and stage plays focusing on character building, child protection, violence, harassment, drug prevention and other social challenges.

PNCA continues to promote “Education-Based Entertainment” through puppetry, culture and creativity for the development of informed and responsible young citizens.

05/10/2026

“Amir Khusro” — A Celebration of Art, Sufism & Culture at PNCA

Islamabad, 5 October 2026:

Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), in collaboration with Dolphin Communications, presented the special theatrical production “Amir Khusro”, highlighting the remarkable life, poetry, music, literary contributions and spiritual legacy of the legendary Sufi poet, musician and scholar Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA).

The production beautifully portrayed key aspects of Amir Khusro’s life, including his deep spiritual association with Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA), his contribution to poetry and music, and his lasting influence on the cultural and Sufi traditions of the subcontinent.

Kaleem Khan portrayed Amir Khusro, while Shahid Mughal played Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Neelam Arshad served as the narrator. The production was written by Arshad Chehal, directed by Muhammad Waqar Azeem, and produced under the supervision of Executive Director & Producer Asma Ismail Butt.

The performance received an enthusiastic response from a large audience of art, literature, music and Sufism enthusiasts, who appreciated the artists’ performances and the production’s rich cultural and spiritual presentation.

PNCA remains committed to promoting and supporting meaningful literary, historical, Sufi and cultural programmes that celebrate Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage and connect younger generations with the country’s diverse cultural traditions.

05/10/2026

Ms. Nusrat Ji, Visual Artist

02/10/2026

PNCA’s National Puppet Theatre Hosts Educational Rod Puppetry Workshop and Performance for NCA Students

Rawalpindi—02 Oct,2026

The National Puppet Theatre and Children Art Workshop, operating under the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), held an interactive workshop and puppet performance today for students of the National College of Arts (NCA), Rawalpindi Campus, at the National Puppet Theatre Hall.

Designed to introduce students to the foundational elements of puppet theater, the session featured a hands-on workshop titled "Introduction to Puppetry Art: Making and Handling of Rod Puppets." The event was led by PNCA’s Puppet Expert, Syed Masroor Ali Shah, alongside a team of master puppeteers.
During the immersive session, NCA students participated directly in the crafting process, exploring the mechanics of rod puppet manipulation, and learning how to synchronize movement with dialogue, theatrical pacing, and dance sequences.

Following the workshop, the PNCA team delivered a vibrant live puppet show, showcasing traditional and contemporary performance techniques.

"PNCA remains dedicated to reviving and preserving the traditional art of puppetry in Pakistan," said Syed Masroor Ali Shah. "Through these educational workshops, our objective is not only to keep this cultural medium alive among the youth, but also to utilize storytelling as a powerful tool for delivering positive social, economic, and moral awareness."

The National Puppet Theatre continuously organizes educational workshops and cultural outreach programs for schools and colleges across the region to foster artistic expression and promote social messaging through visual theater.

01/10/2026

Cyanotype: The Art of Sun Printing ☀️

Explore one of the oldest photographic printing techniques in this hands-on cyanotype workshop in Islamabad, led by artist and Rang Kadah founder Hajra Javeed.

Discover how sunlight and light-sensitive chemistry can transform everyday textures, transparent materials, and found objects into distinctive blue images — without a camera.

Through demonstrations and guided experimentation, you’ll explore:
✨ Composition & image-making
🌿 Textures & transparency
🌓 Layering & exposure
☀️ Sun printing & cyanotype development

By the end of the workshop, you’ll create a series of 5–6 experimental cyanotype prints while exploring the relationship between light, material, and image-making.

No prior experience required!

📅 9th October, Friday
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), F-5/1, Islamabad
💳 Registration Fee: PKR 6,000
🖌 All materials and refreshments included.

⏰ Register by 6th October. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

👉 Register via the link in our bio or DM us to book your spot!

📧 [[email protected]] |
📞 +92-51-9205273

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01/10/2026

29/09/2026

A delegation of coordinators from SCO member states visited PNCA, Islamabad, as part of preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship in 2027.

The delegation explored PNCA’s art galleries, including the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s photographic exhibition and Sadequain Gallery, and enjoyed vibrant cultural performances. The Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, welcomed the guests and highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, while DG PNCA, Mr. Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, briefed them on the Council’s mandate and initiatives.

The visit highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and people-to-people connections among SCO member states.

28/09/2026

تھیٹر ڈرامہ "امیر خسروؔ - خسروِ شیریں سخن، طوطیِ ہند"

اسلام آباد: پاکستان نیشنل کونسل آف دی آرٹس، قومی ورثہ و ثقافت ڈویژن، ڈولفن کمیونیکیشن کے باہمی اشتراک سے عظیم صوفی شاعر، دانشور اور موسیقار حضرت امیر خسروؔ کی حیات و خدمات پر مبنی تھیٹر ڈرامہ "امیر خسروؔ - خسروِ شیریں سخن، طوطیِ ہند" پیش کر رہا ہے۔

یہ ڈرامہ برصغیر کی تہذیبی و ادبی تاریخ کے درخشاں باب، اردو زبان و قوالی کے بانی حضرت امیر خسروؔ کو خراجِ عقیدت ہے۔

تحریر: ارشد چہال
ایگزیکٹو ڈائریکٹر و پروڈیوسر: عاصم اسماعیل بٹ
ڈائریکٹر: وقار عظیم

تاریخ: پیر، 5 اکتوبر 2026
وقت: شام 7:00 بجے
مقام: پی این سی اے، ایف-5/1، اسلام آباد

تمام اہلِ ذوق، ادبی و ثقافتی حلقوں اور معزز میڈیا نمائندگان کو شرکت کی دعوت دی جاتی ہے۔

27/09/2026

WHAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN — A Solo Exhibition by NusratJi

Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) presents a major solo exhibition by one of Pakistan's distinguished impressionist painters, NusratJi.

Known for her expressive palette knife technique and iconic horse paintings, NusratJi's practice spans over four decades, deeply rooted in Pakistan's cultural heritage, landscapes, architecture and traditions. With over 25 solo exhibitions and extensive international shows across the UK, Canada, USA, UAE, Bahrain and beyond, she has made a significant contribution to Pakistan's visual arts landscape.

An immersive visual experience featuring projected imagery, light, sound, drawings and paintings, exploring memory, perception and the shifting space between what is seen and what remains unseen.

Gallery 1: Immersive Experience
Gallery 2: Drawing & Painting

Opening Reception: 13th October 2026 at 3:30 PM
Exhibition will continue till 27th October 2026
Venue: National Art Gallery, PNCA, Islamabad

All art lovers, students and media are cordially invited.