Islamabad (TDI): Renowned Pakistani calligrapher, Muhammad Azeem Iqbal, has been awarded the prestigious Global Ambassador Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to preserving, revitalizing, and globalizing the classical tradition of Islamic calligraphy.
Organized by Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG), Azeem Iqbal was recognized in a ceremony on Wednesday for his distinguished career spanning thirty-five years.
Iqbal has earned acclaim for an artistic identity that seamlessly blends the techniques of early Islamic periods with contemporary expression, offering a bridge between history and modern creativity.
Over the years, Iqbal’s calligraphy has served as a cultural bridge between Pakistan and the world. The Government of Pakistan has presented his artworks to more than thirty-two heads of state, recognizing their effectiveness in portraying a message of peace, harmony, and the cultural richness of the Islamic world.
His works are also housed in leading national institutions, including the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Lok Virsa Museum, the Punjab Council of the Arts Rawalpindi, the National Book Foundation Museum, and the Iqbal Museum.
His pieces often incorporate elements used by early Muslim scribes, including bone, wood, leather, deer skin, and delicate applications of gold and silver leaf.
One of his most distinctive practices is the use of Aab-i-Zam Zam to prepare his pigments for Qur’anic verses, a method he pioneered to imbue his work with a deeper spiritual resonance.
His major installations, such as the celebrated masterpiece at the National Monument Museum in Islamabad, and his contributions to national projects like the Pakistan Day JS Parade floats and the Aazadi Train reflect his deep engagement with public art.
In addition to his prolific output of more than 5,000 artworks displayed locally and internationally, Iqbal has dedicated the past twenty-five years to teaching classical calligraphy at the Punjab Council of the Arts Rawalpindi.
He also introduced the influential concept of portraying Islamic history through the evolution of Qur’anic calligraphy, offering a chronological lens into the artistic development of the Islamic world.
His recent series, centered on Qur’anic calligraphy promoting peace and humanity, further reinforces the universal message that underpins his lifelong work.
The Award stands as a testament not only to his artistic mastery but also to his enduring role in safeguarding and elevating Islamic artistic heritage on the world stage.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
