STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : Chairman of the Pakistan Culture Tourism and Arts Organization (PCTO), Javed Aziz Khilji, has urged the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Department of Culture to ensure the timely release and transparent, fair and merit-based distribution of the Endowment Fund allocated for the welfare of artists, enabling deserving members of the artistic community facing financial difficulties to benefit from this facility.
In a statement, Javed Aziz Khilji said that the Pakistan Culture Tourism and Arts Organization is a registered, non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization working for the promotion of cultural heritage, tourism, archaeology, fine arts, literature, poetry, music, theatre and other creative fields across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The organization also strives to promote the welfare of the artistic community and comprises artists, writers, poets, intellectuals and prominent cultural personalities from various fields.
He appealed to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, the Secretary of the Department of Culture, Tourism and Archaeology, the Director General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, and other relevant senior officials to address delays in the release of the Endowment Fund allocated for artists and establish a clear policy and effective mechanism to ensure its fair distribution.
Javed Aziz Khilji stated that artists are the true ambassadors of a society’s civilization, cultural identity and national heritage. Their creative abilities and contributions play a fundamental role in keeping culture alive. Unfortunately, many artists are facing serious financial difficulties, rising medical expenses and challenges in meeting their basic daily needs. Under these circumstances, the timely release of the welfare fund allocated for artists is essential.
He emphasized that the fund must be distributed through a transparent and merit-based process, with special priority given to deserving, elderly, sick and financially disadvantaged artists. He also called for an effective monitoring and accountability system to address artists’ grievances and ensure the fair distribution of financial assistance.
The PCTO Chairman further stated that the experience and cooperation of relevant registered cultural organizations should also be utilized to identify the genuine needs of artists and ensure that assistance reaches deserving individuals. This would help promote transparency, trust and fairness throughout the process.
He clarified that the welfare of artists should not be limited to financial assistance alone. Their dignity, economic security, access to medical treatment and recognition of their lifelong cultural and creative contributions must also be included among the government’s priorities.
In conclusion, Javed Aziz Khilji expressed hope that the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the concerned authorities would take immediate notice of this important issue and introduce practical measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and welfare of the artistic community.
He reaffirmed that PCTO would continue to raise its voice for artists’ rights, the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of creative industries, emphasizing that protecting artists means protecting our civilization, culture and national identity.
