Measures being taken to promote arts, culture: minister

LAHORE : Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan on Saturday said exemplary measures were being taken for promotion of arts, culture and welfare of artists.

Speaking at a cultural event organised by the Punjab Arts Council, he said the government would honour artists, performers and the journalist community.

The minister said the government has taken many initiatives for artistes and journalists. ''Voice of Punjab'' initiative is an attempt to discover new talent across the province, he said. Anyone up to the age of 30 can give auditions to be held at various zones in the province, he said adding that the selected people would be imparted training of singing by the government.

He said artist’s health insurance card was another landmark achievement through which 6,000 artists would be provided healthcare facility up to four lakh rupees.

The minister said a ‘College of Performing Arts’ would be established at Alhamra where a degree programme would be started. He also announced to upgrade theatre of Bagh-e-Jinnah. He said work on first ever culture policy had been completed and soon it would be approved by the Punjab chief minister.

Fayyaz said financial assistance was being provided to the artists and journalists community under artists support fund and journalists support fund.

Hammad: Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar has said that friendly countries have provided financial assistance to Pakistan due to the credibility of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremonies of development projects in Lahore, he said revenue generation had also witnessed 3-4 per cent growth this year.

Punjab Minister for industries Mian Aslam Iqbal, speaking on this occasion, said the government was working with dedication for the welfare and prosperity of the people.

He said PTI government has promoted the culture of transparency in the country that is why there was no corruption scandal of any federal or provincial minister. He said Punjab government has evolved best policy for the ease of doing business and tax system was being revamped.