HYDERABAD/SUKKUR: Cheques amounting to Rs60,000 were distributed among distinguished writers, poets artists and artisans at separate ceremonies in Hyderabad and Sukkur.

In Hyderabad, the annual stipend was distributed by Zulfiqar Ali Panhwar, the Director of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities at a ceremony held in the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, at Sindh Museum on Monday.

Recipients from Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar and Tando Mohammad Khan personally attended the ceremony and received their cheques.

According to Mr Panhwar, he and his team welcomed the respected literati, artists and artisans and commended their great contribution to Sindh’s art, culture and literature.

He said that 119 cheques were meant for Hyderabad, 47 for Jamshoro, 17 for Tando Allahyar and eight for Tando Mohammad Khan.

A similar ceremony was held in the Rahimdad Khan Public Library in Sukkur to distribute the stipend cheques among distinguished literati, artists and artisans last Friday (February 27).

According to a statement issued by the culture department, a total of 31 poets, writers, artists and musicians from Sukkur and Ghotki districts received the cheques.

Director of the department at Sukkur Imtiaz Ali Memon handed over the cheques to the recipients.

He hoped that the stipend would help them overcome their financial issues and continue their creative activities without such hindrance.

Mr Memon said that the department was committed to supporting and encouraging those contributing to art, culture, literature and craftsmanship. These people, he said, were custodians of society’s identity and cultural heritage.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026