The committee constituted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for the welfare of artists contributing in different fields of fine arts will submit comprehensive recommendations to the prime minister by the end of this month.
Talking to a group of media persons here, Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NHLH) Irfan Siddiqui, who is also heading this committee, said a meeting was held recently to review the existing welfare schemes for artists and viable ways for resolving the issues of artists’ community were discussed.
The meeting was held at Lahore with the participation of renowned drama and film artists, as well as musicians, who gave their valuable inputs to bring improvement in the working and living conditions of the artists and prepare a comprehensive report in this respect.
Siddiqui said a meeting of secretaries of culture department of all four provinces will be arranged in the federal capital on March 14 to review the ongoing schemes for the welfare of artists.
He said art patronage at government level and possible steps for the welfare of artist community were essential for a peaceful society.
He said suggestions from the general public will also be welcomed to realise the dream of artists’ welfare.
He said a meeting with journalists working in the field of culture will also be arranged soon.
Meanwhile, artists from different sections have welcomed the formation of a 12-member committee by the prime minister for the welfare of artists and promotion of art.
Prominent film producer Syed Noor said it is for the first time that such a committee is constituted at the government level for the welfare of artists in all genres of art.
He said artists are ambassadors of peace and spend their whole lives providing entertainment to the people, but face certain difficulties at the end of their careers.
Prominent film and drama artist Laila Zuberi said the formation of the committee for artists by the PM, in fact, reflect his own interest in art and commitment toward uplift of artists’ community.
Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Director General Jamal Shah said artists deserve support and acknowledgement from the government in all of their artistic endeavours.
He said the government has taken a positive step for the welfare of artists through the formation of a special committee.
Renowned film producer, Ejaz Gull, violinist Ustad Raees Ahmad and musician Parvez Haider also termed this initiative a positive development towards raising the living standards of artists.
