PESHAWAR, June 20: Local artistes have criticised the administration for failing to arrest people who had robbed artiste Niaz Ali. They warned to set up a protest camp on July 10 if the accused were not arrested.

Talking to journalists at the press club here on Tuesday, Sarhad Artistes Association of Pakistan president Arshad Hussain said the civil society and police should provide protection to artistes because they provide them with entertainment and peace of mind.

He said 20 days had passed but no arrest had been made or investigations held to trace the robbers who had taken away jewellery and other items worth Rs3 million from the house of artiste Ali.

Artistes Welfare Association Zoom president Tariq Jamal urged police to take action against people involved in the robbery. He said Mr Ali should be compensated for his loss.

Shazma Aqeel criticised police for their apathy in handling the case.