As a country characterized by terrorism and extremism, Pakistan is lucky to have such a rich cultural heritage which can be used to promote the soft image of the country. However, this heritage is being lost as local artists grapple with limited financial resources and a lack of patronage. Local artists are leading miserable lives due to the indifference of state institutions towards the promotion of art and culture, and many have passed away in abject poverty while others are waiting for their turn.
A Pakistan Today survey reveals that 250 local artists are residing in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, 180 of which are living from hand to mouth due to lack of any future prospects in arts and culture, and many intend to quit the profession which has been passed down to them from their forefathers in order to pursue more lucrative jobs. A noted radio and television artist, Sajjad Kishwar, works in a private company with a meager salary while Khalid Tanoli, a television, film and theatre artist settled in the federal capital for two years, sells fried fish in G-10 to earn a living.
He stated that the government’s indifferent attitude towards the promotion of art and culture was leading to the death of not only artists but art itself. Many other award-winning artists such as Aslam Mughal, Ghazala Butt, Mehreen, Farhan Shah, Mohsin Ali, Afshan, Mubeena, and Nahid Riaz etc have also been forced to find alternative work against very small salaries.
All of these artists opined that neither performing nor visual art was being promoted as it should in Islamabad. “On one hand, artists are not accepted as a normal being in the society and on the other, the government institutions deprive them of their chances of growth. If someone succeeds in getting a chance, he is not paid accordingly,” grieved an artist.
The recent devolution of the Culture Ministry to the provinces under the 18th Amendment has also dealt a blow to local artists as financial constraints have grown. Further, the artists also felt that art institutions have also held an indifferent attitude towards them. The lack of government patronage in the face of the popularity of foreign art forms has also pushed artists into deeper misery.
“Indian and western cultural onslaught has further pushed Pakistani art into a quagmire and now it is almost finished. The film industry could never be revived now, because every quality movie is easily available on cable and the Internet. Why should people bother to watch Pakistani movies that have nothing to impress them,” said Tanoli.
Dolphin’s Communications Director and theatre artist Asma Butt, while talking to Pakistan Today said there were so many artists of past fame who were now living in the dark because of the government’s uncaring attitude. “Artists must be given an opportunity to promote the soft image of the country; this is the real time to focus on the artist community when we are in a state of war-like situation,” she said.
Another artist is quoted to have said “We have worked with commitment and devotion for promotion of art and culture and there are thousands of artists like us who are looking forward towards the government institutions for their welfare.” The artists also noted effects of the Taliban and terrorism on cultural activities and felt that they were one of the first casualties.
On condition of anonymity, a Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) official told Pakistan Today that following the devolution of the ministry of culture to provinces, the government should sanction a sufficient budget for the welfare of artists who could perform well. Prior to devolution, the Culture Ministry’s high-ups were not interested in promotion of art and culture.
“Art and culture is a tool to promote a soft image of the country but the ministry has not shown any vision to achieve this end,” he said. In addition, he pointed towards the embezzlement of funds allocated for the promotion of arts and culture. PNCA Performing Arts Director Hassan Abbas Raza said that the government must look after artists and promote their work not only in Pakistan but all over the world.
“PNCA is striving in this regard and its doors are open for all artists to display their works,” he said, adding that the council has chalked out a comprehensive strategy for the welfare of artists, under which “we help them financially to look after their health.”
