German photographer explores life in Pakistani cities.

Byline: Farman Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Foreign travel writers and photographers have highlighted Pakistan's tourist attractions and topography, its people, food, cultural diversity and famous sites but few have peeped into deep inner cities and the life of people living in narrow lanes.

Michael Paulo, a German photographer, is among the very few who have captured the life and heritage of the country in its true perspective through the lens of camera.

An exhibition of Mr Paulo's photographs titled 'Urban Walks', that opened at Gallery 6 on Friday, highlights Pakistan's inner-city life, narrow alleys and the burgeoning problems of noisy traffic, hustle bustle of bazaars as well as the crumbling pre-partition architectural heritage and natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan.

German Ambassador Martin Kobler, who opened the show, appreciated the photos on display and the 'deep love of the photographer for the land, culture and people of Pakistan'.

'Although I am an avid traveller and have visited many areas of the country, the pictures on display unveil new aspects of Pakistani life, cultural diversity and the landscape,' the ambassador said.

'Capturing people's faces, expressions, joys and feelings, is not an easy job; it is an art,' Mr Kobler said, and introduced his Spanish counterpart Manuel Duran who has recently assumed his office in the capital.

Talking to Dawn, Ambassador Duran said although I am new in the city, these photographs have enriched my knowledge about the cultural diversity and people of Pakistan.Mr Paulo spoke about how he started photowalks in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi.

He said he wanted to promote Pakistan as a destination for street photographers and hopes to bring them together.

Photowalking isan activity of camera enthusiasts who gather in a group to walk around with a camera for taking pictures of things that interests each of them.

The photographs on display reflect Mr Paulo's keen interest to observe and understand Pakistan closely, commented Gallery6 Director Dr Arjumand Faisal, an established artist himself.

'He has not visited popular tourist places but wandered in narrow lanes and bustling streets in city centres.

'In these places, he has not only captured the moods and colours of the people but also the lights and shades...