Local artistes who entertain tourists at the hills, lakes and waterfalls of Khushab district are facing poverty due to lack of government support despite their talent and services.
A social activist, Malik Shabir Ahmad said while speaking to The Express Tribune that the artistes went to the lakes and parks with their musical instruments every day to entertain the tourists. But their services are not recognised and they are not provided financial support by the government.
A folk artiste of Mardwal village, Muhammad Imran, went to Khabeki and Kunhati Bagh daily with his drum, where he mesmerised the tourists with his singing and music.
He said he could not meet his expenses with the small amounts gifted by the tourists. He also appealed for government help perform at a bigger scale.
Amjad Hussain Amjad from Mouza Dhaka sings very well as it is his ancestral profession. He also performs at weddings in the area.
Amjad Abbas said he was well versed in Saraiki, Jog, Thumri and Pahari songs, but he found it hard even to buy musical instruments.
A social leader in Nowshera, Malik Ikram Afzal, said an academy should be established by the provincial government, Tourism development corporation and district administration to promote the talent of the folk artistes.
A resident of Khora, Zafar Awan, said Luddi, Tappa and Bhangra dances were performed on the beat of drums in wedding ceremonies in the region.
Malik Farooq Awan said Shahnai was a distinctive feature of local musical performers from Anga and Sarki villages, which was very popular throughout Punjab.
He stressed that the government should patronise the local artistes to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2023.a
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