Ailing artist deprived of stipend by Sindh culture dept

LARKANA: Author of four books, winner of several awards and renowned sughar (artist) suffering from various chronic diseases has complained that the Sindh culture and tourism department had done nothing for him despite several applications.

Muhammad Mithal Jhatyal, a resident of village Gaji Jhatyal, located near Mohenjo Daro, has been admitted to a private medical centre in Larkana for the last four days as he is suffering from diabetes and hepatitis-C.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the ailing artist said that he had been presented several awards including the Sachal, Bhittai and the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar awards in the recognition of his services for literature as he is also a poet.

He said that other organisations gave him appreciation certificates, but the culture department had stopped his monthly stipend that has now complicated his illnesses as he was unable to afford proper treatment and medication.

He said he used to get Rs33000 annually, but it had been stopped abruptly for unknown reasons. The artist also said that he had sent several applications to the culture department secretary, but no response was received, owing to which he had no money to get the costly treatment and bear the costs of healthcare facilities at a private medical centre.

Demanding treatment from the Sindh government, he urged the people of Sindh to pray for his recovery.

On the other hand, Dhani Bux, Luqman Khokhar, Waheed Ghaho, Saleh Rajpar and others have also demanded of the culture department to save the life of the notable sughar who had spent his entire life serving Sindh and the Sindhi literature.