The Death of Mr.Guljee
By Qutubuddin Aziz
Karachi, Pakistan
The tragic death of Pakistan's renowned artist Mr.Guljee has shocked me. He was a very personal friend and I always held him in high esteem and regard. When I was serving as Minister at the Pakistan Embassy in London, I had arranged an exhibition of his paintings in the premises of the Pakistan Embassy. The exhibition attracted hundreds of lovers of art and many bought his lovely paintings. He also got an excellent write-up in all the major newspapers of the UK. Some famous Bristish artists also came to see his paintings and he got lavish ovation in all the major newspapers and art magazines. I remember that he was later on invited to arrange a similar exhibition of his paintings in Paris and Cologne. I cannot forget the devotion shown by Guljee's younger brother Brigadier Ismaili of the British Army Medical Corps in the treatment of General Yahya Khan in a British Military hospital near London. Brigadier Ismaili was a true lover of Pakistan like his brother, Guljee. Mrs. Guljee, was a paragon of many virtues and like her husband she adored Pakistan. I appeal to the Karachi City Government and to art lovers to hold a memorial meeting for the late Mr.Guljee and build a majestic art gallery for him in Karachi. I will be glad to render all possible assistance in this project. The killers of Mr.Guljee should be traced and exemplary punishment should be given to them.
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