The Legend’s Fund

In November 2006, when then Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad set up the Rs50 million Legend’s Fund, he said it would be used to honour Pakistan’s artistes and sportsmen by helping them with living and medical expenses. The governor used the examples of Mehdi Hasan and Lehri as deserving recipients of the funds. Ironic, then, that ailing comedian Lehri, suffering from diabetes and wheelchair-bound, appeared at the Karachi Press Club on October 27, pleading for help.

Lehri’s predicament is just one example of the government ignoring the country’s artistic community. The on-going saga of the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) in Karachi points to further official neglect. After the PPP government came into power, it slashed Napa’s budget from Rs50 million to Rs17 million. Although the original amount was restored in fiscal year 2009/10, Napa is still fighting for its survival. Last year, the provincial government issued Napa a notice ordering it to vacate its premises, the site of the old Hindu Gymkhana. That case is still in the courts and the fact that the Sindh government is fighting tooth-and-nail against Napa shows that arts and culture are not a priority.

Politicians are quick to piggyback on artists who bring glory to the country, announcing non-monetary awards in their name and congratulating them on their achievements. But when the time comes to open the purse they disappear without a trace. Now that Lehri and his friends have raised a hue and cry, it is hoped that the government will spring into action. Even if it does, this should not be a one-off. The Legend’s Fund should be strengthened and utilised to help struggling artists. This is the least Pakistan owes to those who have entertained and educated its citizens for decades. Without a government safety-net in place, the next generation of Lehris may decide to opt for another profession, or as is the case with many artists, leave the country all together.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2010.