The High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, has presented a specially commissioned sculpture to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), marking what he described as the beginning of a “lasting relationship” between Pakistan and the renowned institution.
The presentation, attended by Lord Wajid Khan, academics, scholars, OCIS faculty, officers of the Pakistan High Commission and friends of Pakistan, also saw the participation of Dr. Faisal’s spouse, Dr. Sarah Naeem.
Created by acclaimed Pakistani artist Amin Gulgee, the sculpture is part of his celebrated Zero Gravity II series. The artwork features the fifth verse of Surah Al-Alaq — “[He] taught humankind what they knew not” (Quran 96:5) — rendered in refined Naskh calligraphy and reimagined as seven floating, interconnected components that appear to defy gravity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Faisal said it was “a great honour and personal pleasure” to represent Pakistan on the occasion. He emphasised the significance of having “Pakistan’s artistic voice now resonate within these walls,” calling it a moment of national pride. He added that the gift should be seen not as a standalone gesture but as the foundation of a deeper partnership between Pakistan and OCIS, one that could foster collaboration in research, scholarship, academic exchange and cultural dialogue.
The High Commissioner also expressed gratitude to OCIS Director Dr. Farhan Ahmad Nizami for accepting the gift, and paid tribute to Gulgee for creating a work that “so beautifully embodies the Pakistani spirit of creativity rooted in faith.” He noted that the sculpture would serve as a reminder of the sacred pursuit of knowledge, beginning with the divine command “Iqra” — Read.
Dr. Nizami thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for the gesture and voiced hope that ties between Pakistan and the Centre would continue to strengthen.
Recognised globally for its multi-disciplinary study of Islamic culture, civilisation and contemporary Muslim societies, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is expected to display the sculpture as a symbol of the growing partnership.
