ISLAMABAD, Oct 31: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Durrani has expressed government’s firm resolve to encourage and patronise artists in the country to positively exploit their potential.

There is no dearth of creative persons in the country, but the need is to provide them ample opportunities and harness their competence, he said while inaugurating a two-day General Managers Conference of the Pakistan Television (PTV) here on Tuesday.

Secretary Information Shahid Rafi, PTV Managing Director Ashraf Azeem, PTV general managers and other officials of the channel were present on the occasion.

Senator Durrani said there was no denial to the potential of PTV artists, and the present government under the able leadership of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was providing them opportunities to perform well.

Terming the creativity a sensitive and difficult task, he said a creative artist was a gift of nature who never retired.

The minister said to face the modern day challenges effectively, the government had decided to start separate current affairs and entertainment channels.

This decision would go a long way in improving the functioning of these channels and enabling their staff to concentrate and enhance their professional capabilities in this competitive environment, he added.

Appreciating the performance of PTV, he said it had emerged as a cultural symbol not only in the country but also in the entire region, adding that only nations which promoted their culture could make progress.