Famed visual artist Imran Qureshi honored with Sitara-e-Imtiaz by President

President Dr Arif Alvi, on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, honoured famed Pakistani visual artist, Imran Qureshi with Sitara-e-Imtiaz award.

“This honour signifies the Pakistani government’s deep appreciation for Imran Qureshi’s continued efforts and contribution in representing Pakistan globally with his outstanding work,” according to an official press release on Saturday.

Qureshi’s work has been recognized and awarded globally on various occasions prior to receiving his first award in Pakistan. In 2011, he was Awarded Sharjah Biennale 10’s Art prize, 2013, Deutsche Bank Artist of the year Award, in 2017 with Medal of Arts Award by State Department Washington and recently Asian Art Game Changer Award, Asia Society Hong Kong.

He was also awarded Shaji Muhammad Sharif Award for Miniature Painting 1993 at the National College of Arts Lahore as well as Associateship of NCA in the year 2009.

Qureshi’s only permanent Public Artwork in Pakistan is at display at the newly-built Islamabad International Airport in the form of a 200 feet long mural in 100 parts.

Qureshi, while receiving the prestigious award said, “My efforts have always revolved around portraying a positive image of my country. While my work has been appreciated and applauded on various occasions globally, this award holds the utmost importance for me as my country has recognised my efforts and there is nothing that can supersede this honour.”

Imran Qureshi was born in Hyderabad, Pakistan in 1972. In 1993 he earned a BFA at the National College of Art in Lahore. His work is firmly rooted in the tradition of miniature painting — the subject he still teaches at the NCA.