Arts and entertainment: ‘Cultural policy for the province to be announced soon’

Draft to be presented in K-P Assembly for approval, says Zahid Durrani

PESHAWAR: Member of the standing committee on sports, culture, tourism and archaeology, Zahid Durrani, has said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government will soon announce a comprehensive cultural policy which will represent all the ethnic groups living in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

A draft of the policy is ready but will be presented in the provincial assembly for approval after a final consultative meeting with the stakeholders, said Durrani at a meeting with Culture Journalist Forum President Ihtisham Toru on Sunday.

The policy will be reflective of the cultural diversity of the province, added Durrani. “It would also support artists in their literary and culture-related endeavours.”

The government, said Durrani, has already approved a policy for tourism that will revive tourist spots to attract visitors. Under this policy, historic assets of the province will be preserved and a culture complex will also be established in Mardan.

Durrani said the K-P government has also decided to set up an endowment fund for artists to promote cultural activities which are “currently in full swing” under the K-P culture and tourism department. Journalists should also play their due role in promoting the cultural heritage of the province, he added.

Once the K-P Assembly approves the draft, monthly stipends will be released for writers and artists. “Obscenity and violence in the garb of Pukhtun culture will not be allowed; only artists representing the true image of the province will be encouraged.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2015.