QUETTA: Artists on Saturday held a musical programme as a protest against selection of artists from the province in violation of merit for sending them to Dubai Expo.

A large number of artists gathered in front of the Quetta Press Club carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands.

The Artists Welfare Forum, Balochistan, had organised the protest against unjust selection of artists for Dubai Expo Festival, not releasing welfare funds and delay in distribution of coronavirus compensation among the deserving artists.

They chanted slogans in favour of their demands and presented Balochi songs sitting on the road.

Speaking to the protesters, Chairman of the Artists Welfare Forum, Balochistan, Noor Khan Kamil, Babil Jan, Inayat Lehri, Liaquat Murad Parkoi and others said that funds had been allocated for the welfare of artists across the country, but the Balochistan Culture Department kept Rs200 million in its account.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2021