The exhibition and book launch titled “Kashmir: Wait and See,” offered a human-centric chronicle of life across the divided region, capturing a decade of resilience and conflict.
Organised by the Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU), the launch event marks the beginning of the “Pakistan Photo Festival.”
The three-day exhibition, open to the public from January 26 to 28, 2026, drew diplomats, senior officials, artists, and students, reflecting a shared commitment to visual storytelling and cross-cultural dialogue on a critical issue.
Eight years of documentation come to Life
The project is the culmination of eight years of dedicated work by Gerbehaye, a founding member of the MAPS agency known for his work in conflict zones like the Congo and the Middle East.
His latest collection features compelling imagery and narratives from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The photographs present a stark documentary, ranging from portraits of pellet gun victims in IIOJK to communities living in the shadow of the volatile Line of Control.
Talking to WE News English, Gerbehaye clarified that his work was not driven by inspiration but by a sense of duty.
“It was my will,” he stated, explaining his decision to travel and document the hardships faced by people globally.
Regarding the recent political situation between Pakistan and India, he declined to comment directly. “I have presented what I saw through my lens. People should see it and form their own conclusions,” he said.
“I am a journalist. I do not want to suggest or comment on it. It’s that simple.”
Amplifying the Kashmiri narrative globally
Chairman of Kashmir Council Europe, Ali Raza Syed, who is currently visiting Pakistan, highlighted the exhibition’s international significance.
He noted that the work had previously been featured at the prestigious ‘Visa pour l’Image’ photojournalism festival in France, bringing global attention to the Kashmiri struggle.
Syed stated that the launch is a cornerstone of KC-EU’s campaign for a just resolution to the dispute in line with UN resolutions and Kashmiri aspirations.
He strongly condemned India’s actions in the region, denouncing the charges against Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik as “baseless” and intended to suppress political dissent.
“By claiming peace in IIOJK, India wants to divert attention from its atrocities,” Syed asserted, calling on the international community to intervene.
Nationwide tour for dialogue and awareness
Following its Islamabad premiere, the exhibition is set for a nationwide tour to amplify its impact:
Muzaffarabad (Capital of Azad Kashmir): January 29-31
Mirpur (Azad Kashmir): February 1-2
Lahore (Capital of Punjab): February 5-8
The initiative aims to use the power of photography to foster meaningful dialogue and bring the human dimension of the Kashmir issue to a wider audience, both within Pakistan and on the global stage.
The exhibition at PNCA remains open daily from 10 am to 4 pm until January 28.
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