The Culture Department has released a detailed report on the issue surrounding artist Saifi Soomro’s paintings. The two-member committee submitted the report to the Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.
The investigation was carried out by Director General of Culture Munawar Mahesar and DG Archaeology and Antiquities Abdul Fateh Shaikh. The committee thoroughly reviewed the matter with the Frere Hall administration and gathered information from Senior Director Culture & Sports KMC Abbas Raza Rizvi, Deputy Director Culture KMC Mansoor Ahmed, and Deputy Director Culture Frere Hall Abdul Abrar Shaikh.
During the committee’s visit to Frere Hall, it was discovered that the paintings in question have been present there since 2017 and were never missing. The report confirmed that the paintings seen in the drama were indeed the same, as the drama was filmed at Frere Hall.
The report also noted that the paintings were moved to different locations within Frere Hall due to various exhibitions. The artist has shown no interest in reclaiming his paintings. The confusion between the artist and Frere Hall administration was due to a misunderstanding, as the paintings are still at the venue.
The artist has rejected the report, stating that his expectations from the Sindh government were met as they conducted the investigation themselves instead of involving a third party. He alleged that his paintings were used for profit, which they had no right to do. He clarified that his paintings were sent for an exhibition, and called the decision one-sided. He accused the provincial minister of trying to protect the Frere Hall administration.
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