Haripur calligraphers shine in int'l contest

Haripur has earned another major distinction as its calligraphers recently secured all three top positions in the seventh International Islamic Calligraphy Competition held in Houston, United States, under the title "Love of Muhammad (PBUH)". A total of 1,200 calligraphy artworks from 50 countries were submitted in the international competition, but talented calligraphers from Haripur demonstrated their exceptional skills by securing the first, second and third positions. According to the results, Wajid Ali of Haripur secured first position in the calligraphy painting category presented in the online competition, while second position was also won by Haripur's renowned calligrapher Syed Zameer Shah, who is serving as a DM at Government High School Shadi Hattar. Third position was secured by Abdul Wahab, also from Haripur. All three talented calligraphers are students of renowned master and presidential award-winning calligrapher Ustad Ilahi Bakhsh Matee, who also belongs to Haripur and runs an academy while mentoring children in the field to promote the art. Ustad Ilahi Bakhsh Matee is counted among Pakistan's prominent calligraphers. He also has the distinction of writing the largest Kalma Tayyaba at the National Assembly building, while another major honour associated with his calligraphy is that his work is also present at Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH). In recognition of his valuable services to the art of calligraphy, he has also been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Under the training and guidance of the great master, the young calligraphers from Haripur demonstrated their abilities at the international level and secured all three positions. Ustad Abdul Razzaq and Ustad Rashid Aziz also played an important role in their guidance and efforts. The international Islamic calligraphy competition is held every year during the blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Earlier, Zameer Shah had also won a position in the international competition, while securing all three top positions for Haripur this time is an extraordinary and historic achievement. Wajid Ali, who secured the first position and belongs to Haripur city, will travel to the United States to receive his award and cash prize. The achievement of the three talented calligraphers from Haripur is not merely a victory in a competition, but also a beautiful global recognition of Haripur's talent, art and love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The honour is a source of pride for Haripur, the fruit of the teachers' hard work and a proud moment for Pakistan. Several prominent personalities also congratulated renowned calligraphers Wajid Ali, Syed Zameer Shah and Abdul Wahab, their teachers and families on the remarkable international achievement.