ISLAMABAD, Aug 20, 2026: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), National Art Gallery, has opened a rare photographic exhibition titled “Quaid-i-Azam: The First Governor-General of Pakistan 1947–1948”, presenting a historic visual account of Pakistan’s founding leader, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The exhibition features photographs taken by Ziauddin Barni, who is recognised as the official photographer of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Through Barni’s lens, the display documents the Quaid’s life, official engagements and significant moments from Pakistan’s early years.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Mr Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. It is being held under the patronage of PNCA Director General Mr Muhammad Ayoub Jamali and forms part of PNCA’s commemorative activities for Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.
The collection was first exhibited in 2023 at the Mohatta Palace Museum, Karachi, in collaboration with Dawn Media. That exhibition was curated by Abdul Hamid Akhund and Hameed Haroon. The current exhibition at the National Art Gallery, PNCA, has been curated by Mariam Ahmed.
According to PNCA, the exhibition gives visitors a rare opportunity to view the formative years of Pakistan through images captured by Barni, who accompanied the Quaid-i-Azam on numerous official engagements. His photographs preserve key moments from Jinnah’s tenure as Pakistan’s first Governor-General.
Among the most moving images on display are photographs from the Quaid-i-Azam’s final days and funeral ceremonies after his death in September 1948. These photographs form an important visual record of one of the most defining moments in the country’s history.
The photographs displayed at the exhibition represent only part of the material from Barni’s personal archive, which has been preserved by his family, particularly his granddaughter Zarreen Baqir. A number of other photographs kept in national archives are also believed to have been taken by Barni.
Beyond their historical importance, the images present a more personal view of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. They show moments of leadership, public service, interaction and reflection, allowing visitors to see beyond the familiar iconic image of the founder of Pakistan and understand the man behind the historic figure.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the rare photographs of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah were not just a record of history, but also carried a strong message for the younger generation of Pakistan. He said the images reminded the nation of the struggle, dedication and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan.
The minister underlined the need to preserve this legacy and pass it on to future generations. He said such exhibitions help young people connect with Pakistan’s history in a meaningful and visual way, while strengthening national awareness and inspiring them to understand the values of leadership, determination, service and commitment embodied by the Quaid-i-Azam.
PNCA has invited art lovers, historians, researchers, students, photographers and the general public to visit the exhibition and experience what it described as an extraordinary visual journey through Pakistan’s early history. The exhibition serves as a tribute to the nation’s founder and as a reminder that understanding the struggles and achievements of the past is essential for building a stronger and more informed future.
The exhibition will continue until September 30, 2026, at Gallery No. 1 and the Grand Hall of the National Art Gallery, PNCA, Islamabad. Daily visiting hours are from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
