Lack of societal or government support, artistes in countries like Pakistan do not earn much during their working life
LAHORE: It is heartening to know that the Punjab government has, at last, set up a fund to support artistes and their families. According to a newspaper report, around Rs50 million has been set aside in for this purpose and this is great because those who are involved in the creative arts usually do not get any kind of support from governments in Pakistan. Proof of this comes in the form of well-known artistes who died in recent months in poverty. The names of Mastana (real name Murtaza Hasan) and Babu Baral come to mind. And in the past, well-known actors such as Nimmi and Sudhir were known to have suffered in their later years of life.
Due to lack of societal or government support, artistes in countries like Pakistan do not earn much during their working life. By the time old age sets in, they have little by way of savings and almost nothing to fall back on in terms of a social safety net or comprehensive health insurance.
Hence, the creation of this fund is much needed and should be emulated by other provinces.
Qudrat Ullah
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2011.
