UMISAA Alumnus Aleem Dar Khan Honoured with Presidential Civil Award for Visual Arts 2026

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News Karimabad, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan - 24th August 2026

Karimabad, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan — August 2026: The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asian Arts (UMISAA) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of its alumnus Mr Aleem Dar Khan, a prominent Pakistani multidisciplinary visual artist, educator and curator from Karimabad, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, who has been conferred the prestigious Presidential Civil Award for Visual Arts 2026 by the Government of Pakistan.

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Mr Aleem Dar Khan’s recognition marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s contemporary art landscape. He is the first artist from Gilgit-Baltistan to receive this distinguished national honour, and becomes the second SVAD graduate in two years to be recognised with a national civil award—an achievement that reflects both his exceptional artistic contribution and the growing influence of the School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD).

Over the course of his distinguished career, he has presented his work across Pakistan, China, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary visual art. His journey from the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan to the national stage is a powerful testament to the transformative role of education, creativity and cultural diversity.

His achievement also underscores the enduring impact of the UNESCO Chair on Inclusion through Art and its commitment to nurturing artistic talent from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds.

Reflecting on the honour, Dean Prof. Rashid Rana (S.I.), Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Inclusion through Art, said:

“Aleem's achievement is proof of the diversity the MA ADS programme at SVAD was built to champion. From Gilgit-Baltistan to national recognition, his journey is a story that SVAD is proud to claim.”

The award is a proud moment not only for him and his alma mater, but also for UMISAA, SVAD and the wider UNESCO Chair community, celebrating a vision of art that embraces diversity, inclusion and cultural expression.

UMISAA congratulates Aleem Dar Khan on this well-deserved national honour and wishes him continued success as he contributes to the evolving artistic and cultural landscape of South Asia.