LAHORE, December 18:
The artists like Shaukat Ali are a valuable asset of our country who earned great fame for Pakistan. The Punjab government has taken revolutionary steps to resolve the economic problems of artists. The government has initiated financial support of artists on monthly basis through a transparent system.
These views were expressed by Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan during her visit to renowned artist Shaukat Ali’s residence. During the visit, Special Assistant inquired about his health and announced that from now onwards the Punjab government would bear all the medical expenses of Shaukat Ali. She also presented Rs2 lac cheque to Shaukat Ali on behalf of the Punjab government.
Addressing the media, she said that under the artists support fund, the Punjab government is giving a monthly stipend of Rs5000 to 1600 deserving artists. She said that the government is going to introduce a comprehensive cultural policy as well. The government is providing from Rs50000 to Rs500000 as health grant to artists in case of any illness. Health cards would be issued to every artist living in Punjab, she further said. She also announced to nominate Shaukat Ali for Sitara-e-Imtiaz. She said that under the Naya Pakistan housing scheme, houses will be given to homeless and deserving artists as well.
Responding to a question, Dr Firdous said that corona had limited the movement of artists to their homes but the political artists are performing shows despite increasing number of corona cases. She said that the political jugglers of opposition are performing in the political circus just for their material gains and to save their looted money. She said that by ensuring rule of law, the government would provide opposition legal treatment. Bilawal has surpassed the Calibri Queen in political acting, she said. She said that the government is bringing reforms in the electoral process of the country but PDM leadership is creating hurdles and is against “show of hands” in the Senate elections but the PTI government will not give opportunity to those who are expert in horse trading and holding institutions hostage.
Dr Firdous said that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is taking marvellous steps to promote sports and tourism in the province. She said that a comprehensive tourism policy has been introduced for the first time in the history of the province under which a total of 176 rest houses have been opened to the general public. She said that under the Punjab tourism for economic growth project, the government is improving the road infrastructure of six tourist-spots in the province.
Earlier, internationally renowned Pakistani boxer Muhammad Waseem called on Special Assistant to CM at her office. During the meeting, Dr Firdous expressed good wishes for the boxing fight of Muhammad Waseem and said that Muhammad Waseem had earned fame for Pakistan and made Pakistanis proud at international level. Dr Firdous said that the Punjab government is striving hard to promote sports culture throughout the province. Coaches of Muhammad Waseem Danny Waan, Martin and Dominic were also present on the occasion.
