A painter, an art restorer, art scholar, film maker, art photographer, TV anchor, Founder President of The Visual and Performing Arts Forum Pakistan (NGO), Ashkal is an adept and highly gifted artist. His mentor, Iqbal Mehdi left a lasting impression on him and encouraged Ashkal to explore figurative art. His artworks exhibit straight lines and angles in figurative forms and intelligent use of vibrant colors blended in soft hues.