PESHAWAR, June 12: Awaz, an association of musicians and other artistes, has demanded that the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) government should lift the ban on musical programmes in Nishtar Hall and allow musical activities in Balakhanas of Dabgari Bazaar.

A large number of artistes at a gathering here at the residence of singer Gulzar Alam, threatened to hold demonstrations in front of the Presidency and observe a hunger strike before the Parliament House in Islamabad if their demand was not met.

"This anti-artiste policy of the provincial government has rendered many people jobless. If the ban is not lifted, we will go to the federal government to seek help," said Gulzar Alam.

The MMA government after coming into power had placed a ban on musical programmes in Nishtar Hall, the only theatre of the province.

Some local religious zealots also attacked Balakhanas of the musicians in Dabgari Bazaar and destroyed their instruments in the name of a campaign against "vulgarity". There are about 61 Balakhanas which were used by about 800 musicians as their offices for the last 25 years in Dabgari Bazaar.

"It is almost two months now since the Balakhanas were closed down after the violence against musicians of Dabgari. They are facing financial problems. They can't get any other job because playing music is the only art they know," said Gulzar Alam.

After the violence against musicians, Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani had formed a committee to sort out the problem.

But the body had yet to take a decision on the Balakhanas after the passage of two months, Firdus Khan, a local musician of Dabgari said.

Firdus Khan said the MMA government was backing those elements that were against the musicians and artistes.

"Some elements wanted to get the Dabgari Bazaar vacated because it has commercial value. It is an ideal place for plazas," said Firdus Khan.

Gulzar Alam said the artistes were not secure as police also often harassed them.

"The art and artiste should be promoted. The MMA government should define what the vulgarity is because the music in no way can be called vulgar," said Gulzar Alam.

The MMA government should refrain from making the NWFP a Taliban like regime, said Mr Alam.

In the presence of internet, cable TV networks and cinemas, placing a ban on music seemed ridiculous, Mr Gulzar said.

Other members of Awaz present on the occasion were: Tariq Jamal, Dr Niaz Ali, Javed Babar and Ijaz Mir.