No country for the arts

I am writing to highlight the challenges faced by theatre and the arts in our society. Art is the soul of any society, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued fields in our country. Despite being a powerful medium of storytelling, expression, and cultural preservation, theatre remains largely neglected. There are very few institutions that actively promote theatre in Peshawar, with only a few currently engaged in theatrical performances.

One of the biggest challenges faced by students in theatre and the arts is societal perception. People often look down upon those pursuing careers in the arts, while those in science and technology receive more appreciation and encouragement. Due to this mindset, there are hardly any institutions investing in theatre, leaving talented individuals with limited platforms to showcase their skills. To overcome these challenges, we need to recognise the value of the arts and theatre in our society. Schools and universities should introduce theatre as part of their curriculum, and the government should support art initiatives by funding theatre programmes.

Muhammad Ilyas

Swabi