Meet the Pakistani calligrapher painstakingly restoring art at Masjid an-Nabawi

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Updated 20 December 2019
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Meet the Pakistani calligrapher painstakingly restoring art at Masjid an-Nabawi

  • Shafiq-Uz-Zaman Khan has been working at the holy site in Madinah for almost thirty years
  • Khan has won many awards in the Kingdom as well as the Pride Of Performance in Pakistan in 2014

KARACHI: For as long as he could remember, calligrapher Shafiq-Uz-Zaman Khan had one wish: to be able to paint even one panel on the walls of Madinah’s Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, one of the holiest sites in Islam and the final resting place of its final prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him).




Shafiq-uz-Zaman Khan, a Pakistani calligrapher of Madinah's Masjid an-Nabawi demonstrates his decorative writing during an interview with Arab News in Karachi, Dec. 18, 2019. (AN photo)

In 1990, he entered a competition aimed at choosing an artist to restore 133-year-old calligraphy on the old structure of the mosque and create fresh designs for new structures added to the building. At the time, Khan made a living painting billboards and hoardings and the organizers of the competition at first refused to register him for the contest, saying he was not a professional calligrapher. But not only did Khan manage to convince them that his passion for the craft deserved a shot, he eventually went on to win the contest and embark on a lifelong journey of restoring calligraphic works at what is now one of the largest mosques in the world.




Some of Shafiq-uz-Zaman Khan's art work  (Supplied)

Almost 30 years later, about 85 percent of the restoration work is complete, Khan told Arab News in Karachi during a recent visit from Madina. When the job is complete, he says he plans to return to Karachi and set up a calligraphy academy.
“People say that I have not being able to complete the work in almost three decades; they don’t understand that this work requires precision,” Khan, who writes in Khat-e-Sulas, the king of fonts, said. One meter of calligraphy takes him a whole night to complete, he added.




In this undated photo, Shafiq-uz-Zaman Khan is seen at his workshop in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo supplied)

Born in Rawalpindi, Khan grew up in Karachi and started working as an artist for advertising agencies soon after clearing his grade ten exams. He said he was painting a Qur’anic verse on a billboard near Dow Medical College over thirty years ago when he met two men who changed the course of his life.




Some of Shafiq-uz-Zaman Khan's art work  (Supplied)

“One of them said a Saudi colleague – accompanying him at that time – was impressed to see my work and wanted to take me to Riyadh,” Khan said. Soon after, Khan moved to the Kingdom and just two years later was chosen to restore the great calligrapher Abdullah Zuhdi’s work at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.




In this undated photo, Shafiq-uz-Zaman Khan is seen fixing his calligraphic panel at Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo supplied

Zuhdi started painting at the mosque in 1857 during the reign of Sultan Abdulmajid, an Ottoman ruler and himself an accomplished calligrapher. But Zuhdi, though a great master of his time, left many of the verses incomplete when there was no more space on a dome to complete them.




In this undated photo, Shafiq-uz-Zaman Khan, is seen presenting calligraphy work at his workshop in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo supplied)

When Khan started the restoration work, he said the most challenging task was ensuring that verses were completed and there was uniformity in the work on each dome.
Though Khan is mostly unknown in Pakistan, he said he has achieved some degree of fame as a calligrapher and won many awards in the Kingdom as well as the Pride Of Performance in Pakistan in 2014.


Pakistan army chief says agreements with Saudi Arabia, US, UAE to promote economic cooperation, investment

Updated 12 sec ago
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Pakistan army chief says agreements with Saudi Arabia, US, UAE to promote economic cooperation, investment

  • Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir speaks to Pakistanis in US about Middle East situation, Pakistan’s ties to Washington and tensions with India 
  • Pakistan, Saudi Arabia last year signed 34 MoUs worth $2.8 billion, seven of which have since been converted into agreements valued at $560 million

ISLAMABAD: Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir recently said various memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and allies Saudi Arabia, US, China and the UAE are being implemented, which would bring economic cooperation and investment to the country, state-run media reported. 

Pakistan has signed several agreements promoting trade, economic cooperation and bilateral investment with China, US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Central Asian Republics. Islamabad aims to ward off a prolonged macroeconomic crisis and escape a precarious balance of payment position, through foreign trade and investment, that has weakened the country’s economy in recent years.

During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the Kingdom in October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 34 MoUs worth $2.8 billion, seven of which have since been converted into agreements valued at $560 million. Meanwhile, the UAE is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner after China and the US, and last year pledged $10 billion in future investments in Pakistan’s priority sectors.

Speaking to members of the Pakistani community in the US during his official visit to the country, Munir said Pakistan expects “huge investment” due to a possible trade agreement with Washington. 

“He said various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are being implemented with the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China, which will promote economic cooperation and investment,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday. 

The Pakistan army chief also spoke about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, warning it could have implications worldwide. 

“Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said the ongoing genocide in Gaza is a worst human tragedy that has serious implications at both the global and regional levels,” Radio Pakistan said. 

Munir undertook a visit to the US in June this year, when he was invited to an unprecedented lunch by US President Donald Trump at the White House. The two discussed the then Israel-Iran military conflict and the days-long military confrontation between India and Pakistan which ended in a ceasefire on May 10. 

The Pakistan army chief spoke about his second official visit to the US since June, saying it marked “a new dimension” in Islamabad’s ties to Washington. “He said the aim of these visits is to take the relations on a constructive, sustainable and positive trajectory,” the state broadcaster said. 

He said Pakistan is “extremely grateful” to US President Donald Trump, saying that his strategic leadership not only stopped the India-Pakistan war but also prevented many wars in the world. 

Munir blamed India’s premier intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), for being involved in “transnational terrorist activities.” He pointed to the arrest of former Indian navy officials by Qatar in 2023, who were reportedly arrested for allegedly spying for Israel. He also cited the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023, whose killing sparked a diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and New Delhi after former Canada PM Justin Trudeau cited evidence of Indian government involvement. 

“He said the Indian aggression has brought the region to the brink of a dangerously flaming war, where any mistake, leading to a bilateral conflict, would be a huge mistake,” the state broadcaster’s report said. 

The Pakistan army chief arrived in the US last week to attend the retirement ceremony of the outgoing US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief and held meetings with senior American political and military leaders, the Pakistani military’s media wing said on Sunday. 


West Indies level series with 5-wicket win over Pakistan in second ODI

Updated 38 min 30 sec ago
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West Indies level series with 5-wicket win over Pakistan in second ODI

  • Roston Chase’s 49 not out off 47 balls included two sixes, winning boundary as West Indies scored 184-5 in 33.2 overs
  • Pakistan won preceding T20 series 2-1, third and final match in ODI series is scheduled for Tuesday at the same stadium

TAROUBA, Trinidad and Tobago: Roston Chase and Justin Greaves led West Indies to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan with 10 balls to spare in the rain-reduced second one-day cricket international on Sunday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.

Chase’s 49 not out off 47 balls included two sixes and the winning boundary as West Indies scored 184-5 in 33.2 overs.

The hosts were chasing a revised target of 181 runs in 35 overs under the DLS method after multiple rain interruptions saw Pakistan’s innings end at 171-7 in 37 overs. Right-arm fast bowler Jayden Seales took 3-23 in seven overs.

West Indies stumbled from 101-3 after 18 overs at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, to 111-5 off 24 overs, including the wicket of Sherfane Rutherford, who hit a 33-ball 45 with three sixes and four fours.

Chase and Greaves (26 off 31) shared a 77-run unbroken partnership for the sixth wicket.

West Indies earlier chose to bowl first and Hasan Nawaz again played a key role for Pakistan with 36 not out off 30 deliveries, after his unbeaten 63 in the ODI opener.

Hasan’s knock on Sunday included three sixes — two of them in what turned out to be the last over of Pakistan’s innings after more rain. Hussain Talat got 31 off 32 balls but most Pakistan batters were much slower, including captain Mohammad Rizwan who was trapped lbw by Gudakesh Motie for a 38-ball 16.

Pakistan beat West Indies in the first one-day international on Friday, also by five wickets.

The third and final match in the ODI series is scheduled for Tuesday at the same stadium.

Pakistan won the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1 played in Florida.


Pakistan demands UN Security Council stop Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza

Updated 11 August 2025
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Pakistan demands UN Security Council stop Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza

  • Israel’s cabinet last week approved a plan to take control of the Gaza city, drawing outrage from Muslim states worldwide
  • Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad says the UN Security Council must be ready to impose a cost on Israel if it defies demand

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), on Sunday demanded the Security Council stop Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza city, saying the move “aims to erase Palestinian presence.”

After a security cabinet meeting on Friday, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed a plan to take over Gaza had been approved, with Israeli forces preparing to take control of Gaza while providing humanitarian aid to civilian population outside combat zones.

The move has drawn a sharp reaction from several countries around the world, including Pakistan, while UN human rights chief Volker Turk this week called on Israel to immediately halt its plan of occupying Gaza city.

Speaking at a UNSC meeting on the Middle East, Ahmad said the latest Israeli move would extinguish prospects for peace and was the culmination of a campaign of “ethnic cleansing.”

“Gaza is enduring a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe. For nearly two years, it has suffered indiscriminate bombardment, total blockade, and deliberate deprivation and starvation, while violence and dispossession escalate in the West Bank and East Jerusalem,” he said.

“The so-called humanitarian system is a cruel illusion. Famine is rampant. Civilians are being shot trying to collect food. Under the circumstances, this Council must urgently demand Israel, under Chapter of the Charter, to refrain from its stated plan of occupying Gaza city.”

Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, has consistently condemned Israel’s war on Gaza that has killed over 61,000 Palestinians since Oct. 2023, calling for uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Palestinian territory.

Ahmad once again urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages and exchange of Palestinian prisoners, a complete halt to displacement, unhindered humanitarian access, and protection of the legal and historical status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.

“Those shielding Israel from accountability — through political cover, military support, or diplomatic protection — are complicit, and must share responsibility. They must reconsider their policies, for history will judge them harshly,” he said.

“The Security Council must be ready to impose a cost on Israel if it defies the demand of the Council and the will of the international community. The Council must enact enforcement measures including the deployment of an international protection force to save the besieged population.”


US trade deal likely to bring huge investments to Pakistan, army chief tells overseas Pakistanis

Updated 10 August 2025
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US trade deal likely to bring huge investments to Pakistan, army chief tells overseas Pakistanis

  • The statement comes during Field Marshal Asim Munir’s second visit to the US in less than two months
  • Field Marshal Munir says his visits aim to take bilateral ties to ‘constructive, sustainable and positive path’

KARACHI: Pakistan’s recent trade deal with the United States (US) is expected to bring huge investments to the South Asian country, Pakistani military sources said on Sunday, citing Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir who is on a visit to the US.

Field Marshal Munir has engaged with senior American military and political leadership during his ongoing visit, after years of strained relations mainly due to disagreements over counter‑terrorism issues.

Pakistan eyes greater collaboration with the US under President Donald Trump and both nations have appeared to be keen to rebuild their military and economic relationship in recent months.

On Sunday, the army chief met a group of overseas Pakistanis and spoke with them about his visits and a host of issues of national significance for Islamabad, according to Pakistani military sources.

“My second visit after a gap of just one and a half months marks a new dimension in Pakistan-US relations,” Field Marshal Munir was quoted as saying.

“The aim of these visits is to take the relationship on a constructive, sustainable and positive path. A possible trade deal with the US is expected to bring in huge investments.”

Both countries last month reached a trade deal according to which the US will charge a 19 percent tariff on imports from Pakistan, compared to a 29 percent reciprocal tariff announced in April that had raised alarm in Islamabad. Separately, President Trump has highlighted a partnership with Pakistan to develop the country’s oil reserves.

Field Marshal Munir said the implementation of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the US, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China was underway to promote economic cooperation and investment.

“Our progress and prosperity are linked to Pakistanis living around the world,” he said, adding the country’s 64 percent young population has immense potential to build a promising future of the country.

Under Trump’s renewed outreach, Washington has praised Pakistan’s leadership and reinstated military cooperation previously curtailed over Afghanistan-related concerns. Islamabad, in turn, seeks to balance its longstanding partnership with China, including arms supply and defense infrastructure, with growing engagement with the US.

Pakistan’s powerful military, which has ruled the country directly for nearly half of its history and holds sway in political matters even when not in power, plays a central role in shaping its foreign and security policies.

This is the Pakistani army chief’s second visit to the US since June, when Trump hosted him for an unprecedented lunch at the White House, signifying growing closeness between the two countries. Both leaders discussed the tensions in the Middle East, particularly the 12-day Iran-Israel military conflict.

During his ongoing visit, Field Marshal Munir also attended the retirement ceremony of outgoing United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla and witnessed the handover of command to Admiral Brad Cooper in Tampa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.

Munir lauded General Kurilla’s leadership and his contributions to strengthening bilateral military cooperation between Pakistan and the US. He extended his best wishes to Admiral Cooper, expressing confidence in continued collaboration to address shared security challenges. The Pakistani army chief also met US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine and discussed with him matters of professional interest.

“On the sidelines, COAS (chief of army staff) interacted with Chiefs of Defense from friendly nations,” the ISPR said on Sunday, without mentioning the names of the countries.


Pakistan PM, Azerbaijan president discuss enhanced connectivity after peace deal with Armenia

Updated 10 August 2025
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Pakistan PM, Azerbaijan president discuss enhanced connectivity after peace deal with Armenia

  • Armenia, Azerbaijan this week committed to peace after decades of conflict over border, ethnic enclaves within each other’s territories
  • Pakistan has close ties with Azerbaijan, which announced in July a $2 billion investment in Pakistan during President Aliyev’s Islamabad visit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday held a telephonic conversation with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and discussed with him enhanced regional connectivity after Baku’s peace deal with Armenia, Sharif’s office said.

US President Donald Trump this week announced that Armenia and Azerbaijan had committed to a lasting peace after decades of conflict as he hosted the leaders of the South Caucasus rivals at a White House signing event.

The development comes as Pakistan, slowly recovering from a macroeconomic crisis under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan, looks to capitalize on its geostrategic location to boost transit trade and foreign investment for a sustainable recovery.

During their conversation, Sharif felicitated President Aliyev on the historic peace agreement with Armenia and said the end of the three decades-old conflict would usher in a new era of prosperity for the Caucuses.

“The prime minister particularly appreciated the role played by US President Donald Trump in facilitating this historic deal that would now bring peace and prosperity to the region,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.

“While thanking the Prime Minister, President Aliyev said that peaceful development in the region would create new opportunities for enhanced connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia.”

Christian-majority Armenia and Muslim-majority Azerbaijan have feuded for decades over their border and the status of ethnic enclaves within each other’s territories. The nations went to war twice over the disputed Karabakh region, which

Azerbaijan recaptured from Armenian forces in a lightning 2023 offensive, sparking the exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians.

Trump said at the White House event the two former Soviet republics “are committing to stop all fighting forever, open up commerce, travel and diplomatic relations and respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“President Aliyev expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding and consistent support to Azerbaijan on the Karabakh issue,” Sharif’s office said.

“The prime minister responded that ‘it has always been a matter of duty for the people of Pakistan to extend their support to their Azerbaijani brothers and sisters on this core issue and it was heartening to note that, under President Aliyev’s bold leadership and statesmanship, peace had finally been established in this region’.”

Both leaders expressed their satisfaction on the positive trajectory of their bilateral cooperation, according to the statement. The prime minister reiterated his invitation to President Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan soon. Both leaders are also expected to meet in Tianjin on the margins of an upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan maintain close ties. In July, Sharif met with President Aliyev in Khankendi on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, where the two leaders agreed to boost bilateral trade and investment.

This was Sharif’s third visit to Azerbaijan in 2025. He last traveled to Baku in May as part of a broader push at economic diplomacy with the Central Asian republics, to whom Pakistan has offered access to its southern ports in Karachi and Gwadar.

In July 2024, Azerbaijan announced a $2 billion investment in Pakistan during a visit by President Aliyev to Islamabad. In September last year, Pakistan signed a contract to supply JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan, marking the deepening of defense cooperation.