External Publicity Wing

PAKISTAN PRESENTS LANDMARK ISLAMIC ARTWORK TO OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

The Government of

presented a major contemporary Islamic artwork to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

, marking the first-ever representation of Pakistan in the Centre’s permanent collection.

The gift was presented by High Commissioner, Dr. Mohammad Faisal , along with his spouse Dr. Sarah Naeem
, in a graceful event that was attended by Lord Wajid Khan , academics and scholars, faculty of OCIS, officers of Pakistan High Commission and friends of Pakistan.

The gifted sculpture, created by renowned Pakistani artist Mr. Amin Gulgee, is from his acclaimed Zero Gravity II series. The work features the fifth verse of Surah Al-Alaq – one of the earliest verses revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) – عَلَّمَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مَا لَمۡ يَعۡلَمۡ “[He] taught humankind what they knew not” – rendered in elegant Naskh calligraphy and dramatically deconstructed into seven floating, interconnected components that appear to defy gravity.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan

SyEd Kafait Ali

Discover the magic of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, a picturesque village in Punjab, Pakistan, known as the Village of Dolls. Here, culture and craft blend seamlessly to create beautiful handmade dolls that tell the stories of Pakistan’s vibrant traditions.

The journey began in the 1990s when German artist Senta Siller and her husband, Norbert Pintsch, saw the potential in local craftsmanship. Senta founded a non-profit initiative to empower women, training them to craft traditional dolls dressed in intricate Punjabi attire. Each doll is a masterpiece, capturing the colors, embroidery, and spirit of Pakistani culture.

For the women artisans, these dolls are more than art—they are a source of livelihood and pride. Once struggling to make ends meet, these women now support their families through their skills, gaining confidence and recognition worldwide.

The men of the village play their part too, creating miniature crafts like rickshaws and pottery, showcasing the broader heritage of the region. Together, these artisans have turned their village into a global hub for cultural preservation.

Today, the dolls and crafts from Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka are exported worldwide, sharing Pakistan’s stories with the world. The legacy of Senta Siller, honored by the Women Art Centre bearing her name, continues to inspire.

Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka isn’t just a village—it’s a celebration of tradition, empowerment, and creativity. Each doll is a storyteller, connecting past and present, local and global.