Pakistan

Artists upset over ‘constant disrespect’ at state functions

Maha Mussadaq June 11, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Musicians are bemoaning the level of respect meted out to them at a prestigious platform many artists long for. From food to payments and rude remarks, artists are disgruntled over the treatment reserved for them at the presidency house during state functions.

“Even General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime was better than this one,” said Nasir Warraich* who performs regularly at the presidency. “He would treat us with respect, dine with us and sometimes even sit down and have a little chat.” He added that Musharaf’s era was financially beneficial, “but right now all we get is disrespect.”

The artists’ complained that after their performances are over and the president leaves the premises, the waiters serve them leftover food, and that too after repeated requests.

Pick and drop services, which they said were guaranteed previously, are now another cause for contention. “Sometimes they just ask us to get off on the main road,” said Arif Tinku*, a folk singer.

Pakistan National Council of Arts is responsible for providing artists and musicians for various functions at the presidency. The artists also expressed dissatisfaction over the arrangements made by the council.

Tinku said, “Against a fixed rate of Rs5000 for a performance at PNCA, we often get pay cuts; on other occasions, organisers demand commission for allowing us to perform at their event.” Speaking to The Express Tribune, Director General PNCA Tauqir Nasir said, “All allegations about payments are incorrect.

PNCA has a clear process. If anyone is facing problems, I am here to address them.”

About the problems being faced by the artists performing at the presidency, he said, “I am an artist myself, I understand their concerns. There is a lot of hardship in this field. Musicians deserve more respect,” he said. “The presidency should also look into the matter.”

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the musicians.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2010.

COMMENTS (1)

SadafFayyaz | 13 years ago | Reply OMG the PNCA story;;;; What to do with it? i was asked by a fake art company being run by husband and wife, to submit my 3 paintings at a painting competition at PNCA. After the comp, my paintings were "eaten "up by the couple. They didnt pick up phone, nor contacted us. didnt want to return my paintings. for one month the couple kept bothering us. My 3 abstract art paintings i was worried about. In the end, my mother approached the "higher official" at PNCA, the lady was good and gentle... returned us my pantings, it was hard for her to trust us. but PNCA at least sghould make sure that the art companies are original, not fake. some people at PNCA were like "they pay us a good rent for 3 days, and we are not interested in knowing their profiles" the fraud husband n wife are ghaib now.. the office where i submitted my paintings,is even locked....For god sake PNCA::;you ll lose your repu if u allow such "fake" people to enter PNCA...i have got my paintings back now....an official at PNCA told that the husband showed himself as "ambassador" and booked the hall over phone... wow. dont ruin artists like this please.

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