PESHAWAR: Pashto singer Khyal Muhammad received a cash award of Rs0.3 million from PM Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday for his unstinted efforts to keep music alive in the province.
The award was announced through a letter written to the 69-year-old singer.
According to a copy of the letter available with The Express Tribune, Nawaz lauded Khyal Muhammad’s services and contributions to music and, more specifically, Pashto ghazals.
“Your services to the music industry were never hidden to the world,” he said. “The government appreciates your services and rewards you with Rs0.3 million,” wrote the PM
Thank you note
In his reply to the PM’s letter, Khyal Muhammad expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for bestowing this honour on him.
“I am grateful to the prime minister for appreciating my services for Pashto music,” he told The Express Tribune. “Apart from providing me with financial assistance, the government’s gesture has given me emotional and moral support.”
Muhammad also urged the provincial and federal governments to continue supporting artists and musicians in the province as they are facing countless difficulties.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Anwar Khayal, his son, who is also a Pashto singer, emphasised the need for the government to promote art and music in the province.
“A comprehensive policy to promote art and support artists should be devised across the province,” he added.
Khyal Muhammad has received numerous accolades for his commitment to music. He received a Pride of Performance award, two national awards and a gold medal from Pakistan Television Corporation. The 69-year-old singer stopped singing after he fell ill a couple of years ago.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2015.
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