Welfare: Govt to devise definition of artist

PM’s adviser recommends creating database of artists

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to address problems of the country’s artists, a special committee formed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for the welfare of artists on Tuesday decided to devise a definition of artists and an effective mechanism to redress their issues.

“A single definition of `artist’ should be implemented at the federal and provincial level and artists relating to different genres of fine arts should be categorised in light of that definition,” the committee suggested following its second-ever meeting.

The meeting was presided over by Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NHLH) Irfan Siddiqui.

The adviser underlined the need to devise a system which can ensure better coordination between provinces and federation for artists. He added that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted to provide support to the deserving artists in such a way that they may not feel humiliated.

Siddiqui further recommended forming a proper database carrying details of artists so that the process of distributing financial assistance can be made transparent and fair.

Provincial Secretaries related to culture gave a detailed overview of existing welfare schemes for artists being implemented in their respective provinces.

Siddiqui said that a report based on comprehensive and practicable recommendations will be submitted to the premier by the end of this month.

Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM) Chairman Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh briefed the participants about PBM’s recent initiatives on extending financial assistance to poor artists. Other officials also gave their input about artist’s welfare.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2017.