Veteran Pakistani artists join hands to empower local industry
Veteran artists from all across Pakistan have come together to form an organisation that aims to empower the local entertainment industry.
Known as the Pakistan Artist Equity (PAE), the new committee has representation from all visual mediums including TV, theatre, radio and film. Around 12 individuals in the organisation are actors who, in the past, have received the Pride of Performance awards. Representatives from all provinces have been confirmed with the Federal and Punjab chapter of the PAE having already commenced work with regards to bringing the plight of artists to the government’s attention.
At the federal level, Aurangzaib Laghari is the chairman while Shahid Nazir Khan is the president. In Punjab, actor Shujait Hashmi is the chairman while in KPK, notable female actor Noshaba Khan holds the title. Meanwhile, in Balochistan and Sindh, actors Ayub Khosa and Ismail Tara have been named chairmen respectively.
“It is good to see that respected artists from all parts of Pakistan have united for a cause. The artist community has suffered a lot with many succumbing to death because of poverty,” senior PTV actor Inam Ullah told The Express Tribune. “The primary reason for this is that the government has turned a complete blind eye towards our problems. Our purpose is to strengthen the entertainment industry by bringing forth issues we face in a systematic way.”
Members have held meetings with various government officials, including Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Serwar, to discuss efforts in reviving film, drama and other cultural activities. “We have held meetings with the Governor, Information Minister and MD of PTV over the role of government in the survival of the local industry. So far, the talks have been fruitful. Regional transmission on PTV that had ended previously have commenced again,” Shahid shared.
The President of PAE went on to assure that chapters from the all provinces other than Punjab have also been active in their dealings with the government. “At the federal level, we are doing our best in turning things around. Representatives from Sindh, KPK and Balochistan are also regularly meeting higher-ups to revive things at the provincial level,” he added.
According to actor Shiba Butt, who is serving as the Secretary Information of PAE’s Punjab chapter, around a 100 artists have lost their jobs recently due to the lack of investment. “How do you expect things to get better if no one is willing to invest? Our utmost priority is to reignite investor confidence,” she said. “Punjab, which used to be the hub of film, drama and various cultural activities has almost become devoid of art. We brought this to the Governor’s attention and have received a positive response.”
Butt is optimistic about the state of affairs going forward. “I am confident that we will be able to achieve our desired objective: to facilitate economic growth in the entertainment industry.”
Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.