AS PROMISED THE STORY OF FIFTY YEARS OF CHUGHTAI MUSEUM;
WRITTEN AND READY, BUT PRINTING MAY BE DELAYED AT PRESENT.

It was not an easy task.Going through the box files of last fifty years, and browsing the daily diary and the documents, and there is so much material that I can write volumes of those years. But what was important development is necessary to remember, perhaps even to forgo many other things. In no equal terms can it be forgotten that going through the years was an emotional  venture, along with the archives of same. The ups and downs of those years take the breath away at times. Many people may not understand, but I lived those  times. Many times bitterly alone to face the music and anger of people in power.  

It is amazing the kind of people I met,  including Presidents, Prime Ministers, Secretary Generals, agents of foreign agencies, diplomats from all around the world (including seven American Ambassadors), and the admixture of all kinds of Pakistanis. Retired as well as active Generals of Pakistan Army. Even at times US Marines from Afghanistan. From the richest people in the world, to basic faqeers of the street. Obviously never kept a count, but would exceed hundred thousand people, reflecting a lifetime of contacts.

Researchers came from all over the world, as well as all parts of Pakistan. From PHD degrees, to term papers of school children. And our own research went on all the time, including archiving of our assets. And we printed each year our research to distribute it to lovers of Lahore, absolutely free of cost. People wrote from all over the world too, and we sent them things. Chughtai Sahib carved a name for himself, and we carved a name for ourselves, oblivious of the morons surrounding us most of the time.

A complete generation is gone, and our regular faces of visitors are gone. Some dead, some transferred, and some too old to come. In fact the mailing list is becoming obsolete with age. Updating is not enough. We made it first in 1975, and in 2025 interest in the Arts has waned, not increased with time. But we have kept on our struggle for aesthetics in Pakistan.

Tomorrow is an illusion. My father used to say is kiyamat comes, what is a gardener supposed to do with a plant in his hand ready to be planted. My father said he should plant same. His job is to plant, not seek recluse that things are  not going go be anymore. For after all our faith tells us the after life we will all reach. Perhaps Chughtai Sahib will be commissioned by Allah to paint pictures for those who reach heaven. WHY NOT? The future is indeed bright for the good.