TP Report
Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority is implementing continuous measures aimed at ensuring the welfare and well-being of artists, artisans, and cultural personalities across the province, said Director General Muhammad Usman Mehsud while chairing a meeting on artists’ welfare initiatives.
The Director General stated that under an ADP scheme approved in 2021, the Authority was allocated Rs. 200 million. The profit generated from this amount was distributed among 574 deserving artists in 2025, following approval by the Board of Directors. Each recipient received Rs. 100,000, and the distribution ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s House.
He further informed that financial assistance of Rs. 30,000 per artist had earlier been provided under the “Living Custodians of Culture” program. This initiative, implemented under the Directorate of Culture, has been successfully completed.
Highlighting long-term welfare measures, Muhammad Usman Mehsud said the provincial government approved a dedicated law in 2022, with its legislative process completed in 2024. Under this law, a Rs. 500 million Endowment Fund was introduced. The fund will be deposited in a bank, and the profit generated will be utilized to support deserving artists. The transfer of funds is currently underway, and within one year of its transfer, the accrued profit will be spent on artists’ welfare.
He clarified that under the Endowment Fund Act, a Culture Committee has already been constituted to extend assistance to needy, ailing, or financially distressed artists in accordance with prescribed rules and regulations.
The DG further stated that the Authority has issued advertisements in newspapers and on social media platforms to collect comprehensive data of artists, artisans, and individuals associated with the cultural sector throughout the province. The purpose of this initiative is to undertake digital mapping and registration to ensure transparent, structured, and efficient provision of government assistance in the future.
Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment, Muhammad Usman Mehsud emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority will continue implementing coordinated and sustainable measures for the welfare, protection, and promotion of the province’s cultural community.
