June 13, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-us-Sani 08, 1429

KARACHI, June 12: Sindh Ombudsman Asad Ashraf Malik has directed the Sindh culture department to formulate a merit-based and transparent policy within a period of three months for selection of artists and artisans to represent the province at various cultural events, both nationally and internationally.

He also directed the department to develop a computerised database of the artists and artisans projecting Sindhi culture and traditional crafts and update it regularly.

Taking notice of a complaint filed by an artist that she was not provided an opportunity by the culture department to represent Sindh at the Lok Virsa Mela held in Islamabad, the ombudsman had asked Dr Mohammad Ali Shaikh, Director-General of the Provincial Ombudsman’s Secretariat, to investigate the case.

During the course of investigation, it transpired that there was neither an elaborate policy nor a procedure for the selection of artists and artisans.

“A lack of clear-cut and transparent policy in this regard gives birth to such sort of complaints, alleging favouritism and nepotism on part of the agency,” the ombudsman remarked.—APP