PESHAWAR: Artists and folk singers have urged provincial government to take concrete steps for revival of art and literary and cultural activities.

They arranged an event here on Saturday evening in Nishtar Hall and sought a multilayered plan for improving condition of deserving artists. They said that artists had established a body four years ago to raise voice for their rights.

They said that they needed a financial award ensuring free education of ailing artists, healthcare and monthly stipend as ‘charity’ was on their list of demands.

The event was held under the auspices of Artists Action Foundation (AAF) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA). A large number of entertainment-starved people including families, students and budding artists attended the event.

Artists seek comprehensive plan for their welfare

Delegates of artists and folk singers from Swat, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, Charsadda, Chitral and Nowshera also turned up and several folk singers sang numbers of Pashto, Hindko and Khowar. Stand up-comedian Said Rahman Sheenu and his team presented a kit reflective of bizarre condition of KP artists.

Ibrahim Kamal, general manager at PTV Peshawar centre, who chaired the event, said that artists were a precious asset and deserved due respect and attention. He said that PTV Peshawar centre launched series of new programmes including Pashto comedy and an Urdu documentary in which local artists and performers would be showcased.

Izhar Bobby, a London-based artist, handed over a cheque of Rs200,000 to family members of artist Saleem Shauq, who recently died of cancer. Mr Kamal also announced Rs100, 000 for the welfare of the artists. He said that artists, literati and scholars enjoyed a high status in any civilised society. He added that literary and cultural activities helped to pave way for peace and social cohesion.

Dr Niaz Ali, chairman of AAF, said on the occasion that successive governments both federal and provincial failed to take steps for ameliorating the miseries of KP artists. He said that artists and folk singers had been living in penury since long as no comprehensive plan was in sight for them despite tall claims.

Shazama Haleem, a TV artist and general secretary of AAF, said that state-run TV and radio channels as well as provincial culture department provided no opportunities to artists for reasons best known to them. Even during the mega show, air-conditions and lights were switched off, she alleged.

However, an official of KPCTA clarified that all the required facilities were provided to artists for their event including 50 per cent discount in Nishtar Hall fee. “No compliant regarding switching off air-conditions and lights was received during and after the show. Foolproof security was escorted to all the guest artists and participants,” he said on condition of anonymity.

Veteran film stars Asif Khan and Shehnaz Khan and noted actor Tariq Jamal also spoke at the event.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024