The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), successfully hosted the photography exhibition “Listen To Her – Whispers of the Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan” by renowned visual artist and activist Zaheer Chaudhry. Curated by Aasim Akhter, the exhibition, held from June 10th, aimed to highlight the fragile beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan’s valleys through the lens of environmental stewardship
The inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, Mr. Shehroze Kashif, Renowned Mountaineer/Climber, Mr. Sirbaz Khan, Mountaineer/Climber, Sir Salman Rashid, Historian and Travel Writer, shared their thoughts on the significance of the exhibition and the pressing need for environmental conservation. This exhibition was possible in contribution with Mr. Aziz Ahmed Jamali, Secretary Finance Gilgit-Baltistan. M. Ayoub Jamali Director General PNCA was present at the event.
Mr. Shehroze Kashif, Renowned Mountaineer/Climber, said, “It was an honour to inaugurate this powerful exhibition. Zaheer Chaudhry’s photographs vividly capture the breathtaking beauty and the urgent plight of Gilgit-Baltistan’s natural landscape. This exhibition is a poignant reminder of our duty to protect these treasures for future generations.”
Born and raised in the ancient town of Ajudhan (Pakpattan), Mr. Zaheer Chaudhry graduated from Govt College University and the National College of Arts, Lahore. With a deep connection to his land, Zaheer has immersed himself in photographing and studying historical records to understand how beliefs, rituals, myths, and diverse weather have shaped the lives of native people. His professional career includes capturing over 100,000 travel visual stories, engaging in contemporary art practices, designing space and communication, and developing discourse at the intersection of environment and art. He is known for planting trees as living sculptures and claims to be the most viewed photographer in Pakistan, with over 500 photography exhibitions reaching more than 150,000 viewers. Zaheer also initiated Pakistan’s first travelling child art education initiative for rural communities in 2006 and has spent the last decade travelling to remote villages to conduct art classes and workshops.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Mr. Zaheer Chaudhry said, “My journey through the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan has been one of profound learning and reflection. Each photograph in this exhibition tells a story of nature’s beauty and its fragility. I hope these images inspire others to take action towards preserving our environment. Our land is not just a physical space; it is our heritage and our future.”
Mr. Aasim Akhtar, Curator of the exhibition said “Curating ‘Listen To Her – Whispers of the Valley’ has been a deeply rewarding experience. Zaheer’s work not only highlights the splendour of Gilgit-Baltistan but also serves as an urgent call to action. We must listen to the whispers of the valley and respond with empathy and determination to safeguard our environment.”
The daily viewing hours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm shall allow visitors ample opportunity to engage with elling visual narratives and reflect on their own roles in environmental stewardship.
