Cultural/Context information for the jury

Every year, 3000+ children go missing in Pakistan, most of whom are trafficked to various parts. There are few mechanisms to aid in their recovery, including the fact that traditional media to raise awareness does not penetrate into remote regions. To help locate missing children, "Truck Art" was used: a distinctively Pakistani cultural icon in which trucks across the country are customarily painted with floral patterns, animals, icons, portraits and calligraphy. These brilliant artworks often include portraits of famous personalities - actors, sportspersons, military chiefs, politicians. The trucks also travel far and wide within the country. The idea was simple: in place of famous personalities, portraits of missing children were showcased on these trucks. The work was done in collaboration with conceptual artist / anthropologist Samar Minallah Khan and her team of truck artists, who painted these portraits in the style of truck art with a helpline number.