RAWALPINDI: An exhibition of calligraphy and handicrafts of Iranian artists opened at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Thursday. Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam inaugurated the exhibition in which art pieces of Iranian calligrapher Saeed Raza Kamrani and craftsman Hussain Qurbanian have been displayed. PML-N MPA Raja Mohammad Hanif Advocate, Director General Khana Farhang Iran Dr Mehdi Tahiri, former Director Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi Waqar Ahmad, Director Arts Council Rawalpindi Sajjad Hussain, Director Information Rawalpindi Ifthar Ali Shah, famous calligrapher Rashid Butt and Mohammad Azeem were also present. Centuries-old and modern styles of writing have been used in the calligraphy samples. Among the handicraft, there are samples of cloths, vessels and objects made of beads. A copy of the Holy Quran on leather and hand-made dishes studded with precious beads were the centre of attention. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam said Iran and Pakistan are historical brother countries and the people of this region have spoken the same language for 800 years. He said the cooperation of Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi for organising the exhibition was appreciable and it shows the exemplary friendship of the two countries. MPA Raja Hanif said that it was a pleasure to see Iranian works of art at the show, adding there should be more exchange of art and culture between the two countries. “Just as Turkish dramas are gaining acceptance in Pakistan, a policy should be made to show Iranian films and dramas in Pakistan,” he said. Meanwhile, a calligraphy workshop was also organised at the RAC in collaboration with the Iranian Cultural Centre. Renowned Iranian calligrapher Saeed Reza Kamrani along with Khawaja Mohammad Hussain, Shabbir Ahmed Zia and Mohammad Azeem Iqbal trained young calligraphers. The event was attended by over 60 students from the Arts Council, Rawalpindi Women University, Fatima Jinnah University, National College of Arts, and Rawalpindi Medical University. The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, where the Director General of the Iranian Cultural Centre in Rawalpindi Dr Mehdi Taheri was the chief guest. Dr Taheri said the workshop brought people of the two countries closer and announced plans for more cultural activities in collaboration with the Punjab Arts Council in the near future. Naheed Manzoor, former RAC Resident Director said the council was working for the promotion of the art of calligraphy. RAC Director Sajjad Hussain remarked that Iran boasts a history spanning thousands of years in architecture and calligraphy, evident in ancient buildings and inscriptions. He affirmed the arts council’s commitment to nurturing the cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran in collaboration with the Iranian Cultural Centre.