On a visit: ‘Invest in human development for progress’

PTI chief Imran Khan attended ceremony to award Rs30,000 each to 500 artists

PESHAWAR:

Nations progress when money is invested on human development instead of concrete buildings.

This was said by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan during a conference at Khyber Medical University in the city on Saturday. The conference was aimed at highlighting advancements being made by the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences regarding cancer treatment and haematology.

“No matter how much you invest in metros and [Orange Line] trains, the nation will never progress until human development is spent on,” he said.



Imran added the federal government was taking loans and burdening the public when its own wealth is out of the country.

According to the PTI chief, civilised nations always spent money on research. This is why Japan and Germany grew into economic giants after World War II as they invested in human development and research, he added.

Derelict hospitals

About the state of government hospitals in the province, PTI chief said lack of management is the reason why hospitals have not yet been brought on the right track.

However, he promised visible changes would be seen in the next six months.

“If [change is not witnessed], then you can say K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and I have failed.”

Earlier on the occasion, KMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Hafizullah urged Imran to provide facilities for the university. He said eight constituent institutions and 29 different medical colleges are affiliated with the university.

Hafizullah demanded facilities like a sports ground, gym, research equipment for computer laboratory, stipend for medical officers and scholarship for students.

Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Director Professor Jawad Ahmad told The Express Tribune doctors from across the country were participating in the conference.

“Specialists will exchange ideas and expertise to train future experts,” he added.

Celebrating artists

On the same day, the PTI chief attended a ceremony where cash payment worth Rs30,000 each were distributed among 500 artists.

The event was held at CM House.  “A number of artists have left the province in the past,” Imran said. “But we have our own legends that represent our culture.”  He urged artists to develop their talent according to their own culture so that their work could be presented to the world.

Imran added, “There is a cultural attack on Pakistan from Hollywood and Bollywood and this can only be countered with creativity that is present in our heritage.”

He also spoke about the old heritage sites of the province, saying the dilapidated buildings will be preserved. He said Bala Hissar Fort would be taken back from the Frontier Corps and would be turned into a true cultural centre for people of Peshawar.

“It could be made a tourism centre that would earn billions.”

On the occasion, Khattak announced an endowment fund of Rs50 million for artists, saying an arts council with halls and libraries would be set.

While briefing Khattak and Imran, Culture Director Abdul Basit said that since earning a living has become difficult for artists in this day and age, the culture department officials felt artists would be able to produce creative ideas if they are released of the tension of livelihood.

However, artists present on the occasion had suggestions for the list of artists who will be awarded with the money till December. A poet and historian, Dr Salahuddin said a category should be created for those who read naats and artisans. Dr Salma Shaheen, a writer, said regional languages should be promoted so that they are kept alive.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2016.