Amjad Hadi Yusufzai
PESHAWAR :
Prominent figures from Peshawar’s academic, literary, cultural, and social circles have called for the establishment of an expert committee under the provincial Department of Culture to ensure transparency, impartiality, and merit in the nomination and selection process for Pakistan’s civil awards. They emphasized that such a committee should comprise individuals with a thorough understanding of literature, arts, and cultural services so that deserving personalities can be nominated on merit.
The demand was made through a unanimously adopted resolution during a ceremony organized by China Window in Peshawar to pay tribute to veteran artists Syed Sardar Badshah and actress Sajida Gul for their outstanding contributions. The resolution urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Chief Secretary to take notice of what participants described as the unfair treatment of personalities associated with the arts and culture sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Sardar Badshah said that he had performed in more than 1,000 television programs and over 1,200 radio productions. Despite receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz 28 years ago, he said, he has never again been nominated for any major national award. He added that while artists from other parts of the country continue to receive multiple honors, senior artists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are consistently overlooked.
Actress Sajida Gul expressed deep disappointment with the provincial culture department, stating that she dedicated 25 valuable years of her life to radio and television and performed in hundreds of dramas, yet has never been nominated for a civil award. According to her, this situation raises serious questions about the policies and performance of both the provincial government and the culture department. She warned that if artists continue to be ignored, the artistic community will decline and the fields of literature, culture, and performing arts will suffer further deterioration.
During the event, Syed Sardar Badshah spoke in detail about his artistic and social contributions, noting that the province had given him recognition and that, in addition to acting, he had served in government service, participated in welfare activities, and worked extensively for the development and mentoring of young people. He expressed regret over governmental indifference and urged the artistic community to unite in protecting its rights and interests.
Sajida Gul shared aspects of her professional journey, recalling that she had initially visited Pakistan Television in search of employment. Although she did not secure a job, she was introduced to the world of acting and went on to perform in hundreds of television dramas over more than two decades.
France-based Pakistani social figure Raja Afrasiab Khan also paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of both artists. On behalf of China Window, commemorative shields were presented to Syed Sardar Badshah and Sajida Gul in recognition of their services.
Participants at the ceremony interacted with the veteran artists, asked questions about their careers, and praised their contributions. They also welcomed efforts to introduce younger generations to accomplished artists and cultural icons. According to the organizers, similar events will be held every month to provide young people with opportunities to learn from and engage with some of the country’s most distinguished artists.
