Artists are country's assets, ambassadors of peace: Chohan

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Minister for Information & Culture, Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan on Friday said that Punjab government is drafting a comprehensive policy for the welfare, prosperity and development of artists and to provide them more opportunities to utilize their talent, ARY News reported.

Talking to artists at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC), the minister said that artists are country’s cherished assets and ambassadors of peace and the government is fully aware of the issues the community is facing.

He was of the view that artists of Rawalpindi have given excellent performances despite lack of facilities and unfavorable situation, and have provided entertainment to the people by vigorously taking part in cultural activities.

The minister informed the artists that Rs80million have been earmarked for the artists in the budget and the amount will be distributed in a justify manner and through the Artists Support Fund and standardized cultural activities will be promoted.

He urged the artists to provide quality entertainment to the citizens by making dramas, telefilms and other programs on the current themes and utilizing their positive thinking and best quality, direction and production.

Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan said a formal database of artists is being formed at the provincial level and this database will help the government to provide facilities to the artists keeping in view their experience, eligibility and performance.

He said recommendations are also being sought from the artists to provide modern facilities to the cultural sector of the province and he was personally having meetings with them for this purpose. Artists also put forward their suggestions before the the minister.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed, Director Public Relations Rawalpindi Hamid Javaid Awan and Dy. Director RAC Sajjad Ahmed were also present.