Rana Arshad distributes cheques among artists

Lahore: Parliamentary Secretary Information & Culture Rana Muhammad Arshad has said that artists are our precious asset and they are representing the country through their art and government will spare no effort to make the artists a model for new generation. He said that a method would be adopted for transferring financial assistance directly to the accounts of artists.

He was addressing the cheque distribution ceremony among artists in the committee room of Alhamra Hall, here today. Executive Director Alhamra Arts Council, Deputy Director Arts Council, senior artists Masood Akhtar, government officers and artists were present in the function. Rana Muhammad Arshad told that in future, there will be no hurdle  in the provision  financial assistance to these artists and the dues of financial assistance are being paid in lumpsome.  He said that cheques have been distributed among 143 artists according to new and old lists.

Rana Arshad gave a cheque for Rs.50 thousand to Masood Akhtar and announced monthly stipend of Rs.25 thousand. He also gave a cheque for Rs:1.20 lakh to Ustad Ghulam Hussain and announced monthly stipend of Rs.25 thousands whereas cheques for Rs.75 thousand each have been given to widows of Babbu Baral and Ghayur Akhtar and cheque for Rs:90 thousand to senior artist Aurangzeb Leghari. Senior Artist Masood Akhtar thanked Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and said that for the first time, financial assistance is being to the artists in view of their condition, for which, all artists are thankful to Chief Minister Punjab.