Pakistan sculpture unveiled at Oxford Islamic Centre

The sculpture, created by Amin Gulgee, is the first representation of Pakistan to be included in OCIS’s permanent collection.

The piece is part of the acclaimed Zero Gravity II series and features the fifth verse of Surah Al-Alaq, one of the earliest verses revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

It is rendered in Naskh calligraphy and deconstructed into seven floating components.

The gift was presented on Friday, November 21, by Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Dr Mohammad Faisal, and his spouse, Dr Sarah Naeem.

The ceremony was attended by Lord Wajid Khan, academics, OCIS faculty, officers of the Pakistan High Commission, and friends of Pakistan.

Dr Faisal said 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.”

Dr. Faisal expressed the hope the artwork will serve as a bridge – opening doors to deeper collaboration in research, scholarship, academic exchange, and cultural dialogue for many years to come.

He thanked the OCIS director, Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami, and the centre’s management for accepting the gift.

Dr Farhan Nizami expressed his appreciation for the gift and said he looks forward to further strengthening the collaboration between OCIS and Pakistan.