RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi on Wednesday began an online musical show called Sur Sangeet after a three month hiatus.

Naeem Akhtar Jafferi, a new talent in the musical world, performed on the show, which was anchored by Nigar Shah.

Mr Jafferi performed folk music and recited famous ghazals.

Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi Director Waqar Ahmed said that their objective is for Sur Sangeet to serve as a platform for aspiring musicians to unearth new talent.

He said that artists had been restricted to their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic, because of which the council began the online programme to provide them a platform on which they could showcase their talent.

He said the government is working to support artists who are unemployed because of the pandemic, and has distributed funds among eligible artists.

Mr Ahmed said 127 artists from the Rawalpindi region have been paid Rs5,000 per person per month.

He also expressed the hope that cultural activities would resume again. The Punjab government will make a policy after which theatres and art galleries would be opened to the public, he said.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2020