PAKISTAN HIGH COMMISSION
LONDON

Press Release

The Government of Pakistan 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” (Quran 96:5) – rendered in elegant Naskh calligraphy and dramatically deconstructed into seven floating, interconnected components that appear to defy gravity.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom said that it was a great honour and personal pleasure to represent the Government and people of Pakistan on the occasion. “To have Pakistan’s artistic voice now resonate within these walls is a matter of immense national pride. This gift is not a one-time event, but the beginning of a lasting relationship between Pakistan and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies”, the High Commissioner stated. Dr. Faisal expressed the hope this artwork will serve as a bridge – opening doors to deeper collaboration in research, scholarship, academic exchange, and cultural dialogue for many years to come.

The High Commissioner extended warm gratitude to Director OCIS Dr. Farhan Ahmad Nizami and the management of the Centre for accepting the gift and to Mr. Amin Gulgee for creating a work that “so beautifully embodies the Pakistani spirit of creativity rooted in faith.” He concluded by expressing hope that the sculpture would inspire visitors to remember that the pursuit of knowledge is a sacred journey, one that began with the divine command “Iqra” – Read – and continues through institutions such as the Oxford Centre and through the growing partnership between Pakistan and the Centre.

Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director OCIS thanked the people and Government of Pakistan for the gift and expressed the hope that collaboration between Pakistan and the Centre will further strengthen.

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is recognized worldwide as a leading institution for the multi-disciplinary study of Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies.

Oxford
20th November, 2025

She was single and lonely,

All of her belonged to me;

At the corner of the building

Looking like a bride,

I spotted her needing

Help at her side

Chivalrously I opted

To do the needful,

She seemed thoroughly pleased

And blissful:

Then suddenly a car stopped by her,

With door flung open.

A man sat inside.

With wide open arms which did her beckon.

Alas; To my dismay, i was left alone,

Near me no more now, but an illusion.

“Canada Rangon Ka Dais”: A Scholarly Journey Through Canada’s Colors by Akhtar Hussain Sandhu

Lahore, Pakistan – A vibrant new literary work, “Canada Rangon Ka Dais” (Canada: Land of Colors), by the eminent historian and scholar Akhtar Hussain Sandhu, is taking the literary and academic circles by storm. This isn’t just another travelogue; it’s a profound exploration of Canada, viewed through the meticulous lens of a seasoned academician, offering insights that transcend mere sightseeing to delve into the very fabric of Canadian life and landscape.

The recent launching ceremony, meticulously arranged by Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club, and advocate Ali Changezi Sandhu (Legal Advisor), was a testament to the book’s significance. Presided over by Pakistan’s renowned journalist Mujeeb Ur Rehman Shami, and graced by the presence of Sardar Jasbir Singh Boparai from Canada as the Chief Guest, the event drew a distinguished audience of journalists, professors, advocates, and businessmen.

A Scholar’s Eye on the Land of Colors
Dr. Akhtar Hussain Sandhu, a scholar whose previous works include critical analyses of “Punjab: An Anatomy of Muslim-Sikh Politics,” studies on “Motivation and Leadership,” and a biography of “Martin Luther King, Jr.,” brings his formidable academic prowess to this travelogue. The diverse panel of speakers at the launch—including Prof. Nasir Bashir, Dr. Asghar Yazdani, Prof. Kashif Faraz, Nadeem Nazar, Ashraf Shareef, Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Bhatti, Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, and Mujeeb Ur Rehman Shami—unanimously lauded the author’s unique approach.
They highlighted Sandhu’s extraordinary talent in several key areas, which are evidently showcased in “Canada Rangon Ka Dais”:

Dr.Sandhu’s deep appreciation for nature shines through in his detailed descriptions of Canada’s serene lakes and the breathtaking spectacle of the changing colors of the trees. These observations extend beyond aesthetic appreciation, suggesting an underlying ecological awareness. The travelogue delves into the heart of Canadian society, examining its complex social dynamics. Notably, Sandhu’s insightful examination of the Punjabi diaspora in Canada is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a scholarly and empathetic perspective on the community’s contributions and experiences. His commentary on the spacious houses offers a glimpse into the Canadian way of life and its architectural landscape, providing subtle sociological insights. Doctor Sandhu doesn’t shy away from broader themes, touching upon the realities of the US-Canada borders and the conference environment, implicitly evaluating the level of research and intellectual engagement within the Canadian academic sphere.
“Canada Rangon Ka Dais” is not merely a recounting of travels; it is a scholarly expedition. The speakers at the launch underscored the author’s lifelong commitment to academics, research, and personality studies, all of which converge in this travelogue. Sandhu’s ability to fuse historical context, social science methodology, and keen personal observation elevates the book beyond a typical travel narrative.
This publication stands as a testament to Dr. Akhtar Hussain Sandhu’s versatility and intellectual curiosity. It offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to see Canada not just as a land of scenic beauty, but as a complex tapestry of cultures, histories, and social realities, all painted with the nuanced “colors” of a true scholar. For anyone seeking a deeper, more analytical understanding of Canada, “Canada Rangon Ka Dais” promises to be an indispensable and richly rewarding read.