A UNIQUE EVENT IN HISTORY OF PAKISTAN OF A HOME VISIT IN 1959
PRESIDENT AYUB KHAN VISITS THE STUDIO OF M.A. RAHMAN CHUGHTAI

NEVER BEFORE AND NEVER AGAIN SO MUCH IMPORTANCE TO AN ARTIST

Martial law was declared in Pakistan in 1958 and it all happened, for politicians even at that time, had become corrupt to the core. The advent of President Ayub Khan brought a sense of relief to the people. With wonder struck eyes, they cheered Ayub Khan into victory. President Ayub Khan immediately started a review of all policies and emphasis as placed on all professions in Pakistan. Islamabad was built by President Ayub Khan, as well as most of the Industry we talk of even today. Dams and barrages came up in the country. Sports flourished and Pakistan brought in Gold Medals from international victories. President Kennedy received President Ayub Khan at the airport. Jacqueline Kennedy thought it well to travel on her own. Pakistan was touching the sky.

In those days at the height of his unquestioned power, President Ayub Khan gave the first Pride of Performance for Arts to M.A. Rahman Chughtai in 1958. In 1959 it became Hilal Imtiaz. President Ayub Khan did not stop at that. In 1959, he paid a state visit to the HOUSE OF THE ARTIST. It was unheard off and never heard again. A President visiting the house of an artist. The Press seized the opportunity and carried the news at times as headlines.

M.A. Rahman Chughtai not only presented the President an original painting of his, he dedicated his magnum opus AMAL E CHUGHTAI to President Ayub Khan, but that is another story. Enjoy images of that occasion in 1959!