PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday distributed cheques worth Rs100,000 each among artistes and skilled individuals from different cultural fields during a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House.
An official handout said that Adviser to Chief Minister on Tourism and Culture Zahid Chanzeb, officials of the Culture and Tourism Department and artistes belonging to different cultural fields attended the ceremony.
It is worth mentioning that a total of 574 artistes are being awarded these honorarium cheques, amounting to Rs 57.4 million in total.Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister emphasized the pivotal role of artistes in society, calling them “the mirror and positive face of society. “Through their art, they bring to light the hidden human values within us,” he said. He added that artistes identified and highlighted the social evils through their art and pave the way for their correction.
Paying tribute to artistes, he acknowledged their sacrifices alongside those of police and security forces in the fight against terrorism, adding that “Until and unless we provide artistes with opportunities, they cannot progress. Our government is committed to creating and providing such opportunities.”
The chief minister said that the government had approved the establishment of a Rs500 million endowment fund for artistes. He announced to double the number of artistes benefiting from the government’s financial support and increase the individual grant from Rs100,000 to Rs150,000.
To promote cultural activities, the chief minister announced a 50 percent reduction in the booking fee of Nishtar Hall. He said that the committee constituted for the welfare initiatives of artistes must include representation from all artistic fields and ensure transparency and merit in its initiatives.
The chief minister said that cultural events had declined due to terrorism but affirmed the government’s resolve to revive them. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has produced renowned names in literature, painting, acting, and music. Our artistes have not only gained national fame but have also earned international recognition,” the chief minister said, urging the Culture Department to organize more events across all artistic domains.