PESHAWAR, March 26: The government would not ignore artists as they were custodians of culture, said Provincial Minister for Culture and Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain here on Monday.

Handing over a cheque of Rs100,000 to noted Pashto folksinger Khan Tehsil in recognition of his services, he said that no one would be allowed to destroy Pakhtun culture.

Culture Secretary Azmat Hanif Orakzai and Culture Director Pervez Sabatkhel were also present on the occasion.

The minister said that Khan Tehsil was a great and renowned folksinger, having a large number of fans. “Even today he is a favourite singer of the people,” he added.

Mr Hussain said that government paid heavy price for creating an environment conducive for the artists. There was a time when artists were compelled to flee their land and some of them decided to say goodbye to their profession, he added.

The minister said that artists were part of their culture that's why they were targeted everywhere to harm the culture. He, however, declared that no one would be allowed to harm their culture. “We will ensure protection to our artists at all costs,” he added. He said that after getting the portfolio of culture he took steps for revival of cultural activities in the province and reopened Nishtar Hall.