PESHAWAR: Local artists and performers have set up a relief camp in the Saddar Bazaar here under the banner of Artists Action Foundation (AAF) to collect donations for the flood-hit people of Buner, Swat, Shangla, and Mansehra.

Artists of TV, radio, stage, film and theatre have taken the initiative for the flood victims.

Senior and junior artists and performers from across the province are turning up for contributing to the humanitarian cause despite being in dire financial straits themselves.

Founded in 2023, AAF is a not-for-profit organisation working to revive art and cultural activities and also to raise voice for the welfare of the artists’ community.

AAF chairman Dr Niaz Ali, while sharing his views, told Dawn that artists being most sensitive segment of the society could hide their own tears but could never ignore sufferings of people devastated by flash floods in Buner, Swat, Shangla, and Mansehra.

“The most encouraging thing is that our fans have approached us even from abroad for making generous donations for the cause. There are many relief camps set up for collecting donations for flood-hit people but our step in this regard remains worth-appreciating,” Mr Ali added.

Tariq Jamal, AAF vice-chairman, stated that artists and performers stood with the families devastated by the tragic floods in Buner and elsewhere. He said artists had volunteered themselves for the service of the devastated people.

Shazma Halim, AAF general secretary, said the artists’ community remained in the forefront when it came to raise voice for the calamity-hit people. She said that though artists and performers had no resources to help out the flood-hit families still they were able to contribute to their cause.

Haji Aslam Khan, renowned radio anchor, Abdul Qayum Hoti and Zahida Tanha and several other artists are also part of the relief camp, which was set up on the second day of the flood disaster.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2025