The waiting game: Directorate of culture ignores artists in need

We have been living in complete destitution as the late poet has only left us his literary work, says Tatoor's wife

PESHAWAR:

Pashto folk poet Qutab Khan Tatoor’s widow and children visit the directorate of culture every week to claim the stipend promised to her late husband by the government. However, their requests have fallen on deaf ears as the funds have yet to be provided to the family.

Tatoor, who never let visual impairment or poverty hold him back, had published his first collection of Pashto poems, Da zra stargay or The Heart’s Eyes, in January 2014. In February of the same year, the poet had filed an application for financial assistance with the then minister for culture and tourism. The minister for culture had vowed to provide him compensation worth Rs50,000. However, Tatoor died a few months later and the matter was brushed under the carpet.

“We have been living in complete destitution as the late poet has only left us his literary work,” his wife told The Express Tribune as she held a copy of the application which has been signed by government officials. According to the document, the poet made a request for financial assistance so that he can “continue [his] contribution to Pashto culture”.

On the pending tray

Tatoor is not the only one who has to bear the brunt of this indifference. A large number of artists, musicians and litterateurs are facing financial difficulties as culture and the arts have fallen out of favour. Little has been done by the government to support them. According to data provided by the directorate, there are 800 applications for financial assistance filed over the last year; half of which remain pending. However, insiders said the government has not spent even a penny in this regard.

Naming names

Like Tatoor, renowned writer and critic Hamish Khalil, who is now in his 90s and suffering from a series of health complications, has not received any assistance from the government. Pashto singers Qamro Jan, Ahmad Gul Ustad, Hidayatullah, Akbar Husain and dozens of other luminaries who have devoted their lives to promoting Pashto culture, have also applied for financial assistance. However, their requests have also been overlooked. Others, like veteran actor Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah, have not applied for financial assistance but are steeped in poverty.

The directorate has also been criticised for failing to take an initiative to publish the work of Pashto poet Ikramullah Gran who died in March. His fans and readers will only be able to see his work in print if adequate funding is provided by the directorate.

The hows and whys

Assistant Director Riaz Khan told The Express Tribune the directorate has not been able to assist artists, singers and writers over the last year and a half.



“Most artists who visit the office get caught up with paper work,” he says. “However, this does not change the fact that they deserve support and encouragement. The government will provide them assistance without any further delay.”  Some officials at the directorate believe the applications are pending due to the absence of the secretary.  “However, the applications of 120 senior artists and singers have been finalised,” an official said, requesting anonymity. “The list includes senior folk singer Akbar Husain, Ahmad Gul, Khyal Muhammad and Naeem Jan.”

Overhaul

The official said one-off compensation payments might not provide an effective solution to the problem. “We are planning to devise a method under which senior artists and singers will be provided assistance on a long-term basis,” he says.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2015.