PESHAWAR: The provincial government would set up an endowment fund for artists, said Adviser to Chief Minister Amjad Afridi.

He said that the government would delay tabling Censorship Board Bill for debate in the provincial assembly next week and would come up with comprehensive cultural policy to address issues related to art and artists.

He was speaking as chief guest at a function at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday. The event was organised jointly by Cultural Journalists Forum (CJF) and Takhleeq Development Foundation (TDF) to mark Music Freedom Day.

Adviser to CM says govt will come up with a comprehensive cultural policy

Other speakers on the occasion rejected the government’s proposed censorship law and demanded inclusion of all relevant stakeholders to draft a cultural policy. They sought help for senior ailing singers and performers.

The advisor to chief minister said that he would assume charge of culture department within two days after issuance of notification from CM Secretariat.

He said that stakeholders and experts would be invited to plan a comprehensive cultural policy to safeguard rights of artists and singers. He said that Rs200 million ‘endowment fund’ would be established for the welfare of the artists and singers.

Responding to demands of artists, Mr Afridi said that once he assumed the charge of the culture department, he would fulfil every single demand placed by them on priority basis.

“Illegal parking will be removed by restoring Nishtar Hall in its original shape. Also professional staff including an experienced director will be provided to run Nishtar hall,” Mr Afridi said.

Earlier, noted TV actor and chief of Takhleeq Development Foundation Arshad Hussain said that department of culture remained neglected and had never been given serious thought.

He said that PTI government was expected to contribute to art and culture of the province by creating more opportunities for young talent.

He showed a documentary titled ‘Beauty in danger’ focusing on a performing girl from Swat who suffers wrath of militants.

Ihtisham Toru, president of CJF, told the participants that efforts should be made to promote local art and culture.

He said that senior artists and singers should be assisted as they were national assets. “We need to work for the welfare of our artists and singers as they are custodians of our identity,” Mr Toru said.

Zeek Afridi, noted singer, said that it was time to get their voice together to safeguard interests and rights of artists. “Nishtar Hall should be confined only to literary and cultural activities. Unfortunately, artists are living under threats and joblessness.

PTI government should make Nishtar Hall functional and provide security to performers,” he said.

Later, young Pashto singers including Bakhtiar Khattak, Zeek Afridi, Humayoon Khan, Shan Yousafzai and a new entrant from Swat Laila Khan performed.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2015

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