Artists upset over ‘constant disrespect’ at state functions
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 11th, 2010.
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 11th, 2010.