THERE has been an increasing trend of installing statues, primarily of the Quaid-i-Azam, in public spaces. These statues are typically made of fiberglass, like the one seen in the accompanying image installed a few years ago at the Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore. They are cast from plaster moulds, and painted in grey, bronze or silver. While they are cost-effective, such statues have a limited lifespan, and do not at all serve as a sincere tribute to the Quaid.

Around the world, statues are crafted as works of art by renowned sculptors, using long-lasting materials, like granite, marble or bronze. Their proportions are carefully designed to suit their location, considering the large number of visitors who would see them.

Notably, Israel is the only country where statues, paintings and depictions of human figures are strictly prohibited in public spaces. We have taken liberties in placing such statues in public spaces without clear regulations. Since no formal laws govern the practice, the decision-making rests with individual creators and administrators, leading to arbitrary installations with little regard for long-term upkeep.

We would be better off refraining from such depictions. However, if the desire for artistic expression is overwhelming, we should consider abstract sculptures in marble or metal, created under well-defined guidelines. The current approach, driven by things other than genuine respect, is wrong.

M. Zubair Qureshi Islamabad