Staff Reporter
Peshawar:
An important consultative meeting of the provincial and district presidents and general secretaries of the All Artists Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held at the Association’s central office in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by Provincial President Saeeda Khan.
The meeting was attended by Provincial President Saeeda Khan, Patron-in-Chief Bilal Khan alias Be-Bo, Vice President Fazal Khaliq, General Secretary Khushhal Haider, Press Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, Finance Secretary Majnoon, Akbar Ali, District President Charsadda Kamran and General Secretary Rehman, District President Nowshera Jaleel Shabnam, District President Mardan Syed Muhammad, District President Peshawar Akhtar, Sayyad, Malangi Mola Jatt, along with other office-bearers and artists.
The meeting began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by special prayers for the eternal peace of the late mother of Provincial President Saeeda Khan. All members of the provincial and district cabinets introduced themselves, and a detailed review of the performance since the last meeting was conducted. General Secretary Khushhal Haider presented the meeting agenda.
A post-oath-taking performance report of the provincial cabinet was presented, stating that after the elections held in September 2025, the oath-taking ceremony was organized and responsibilities were immediately assigned to all office-bearers through subsequent meetings.
The meeting was informed that several meetings had been held with the Culture Department regarding artists’ welfare. Written demands were submitted, including the establishment of separate hospital wards for artists, recreational activities, Umrah balloting, a housing scheme, Zakat and other welfare packages, inclusion of the Culture Department’s logo and signature on organizational cards, organization of a sports gala for artists, and holding cultural programs at Nishtar Hall. The Culture Minister assured the delegation of full cooperation for artists’ welfare.
In addition, a meeting was also held with the General Manager of PTV, during which recommendations were made to provide artists with opportunities on the PTV platform.
It was further reported that data for issuing organizational cards to artists had been collected, associations had been established in various districts, meetings were held regularly, and elderly, needy, and sick artists were visited and supported.
District presidents and general secretaries shared their performance reports, stating that monthly meetings were held at the district level, artists’ issues were heard and efforts were made to resolve them. Complete data for organizational cards and forms for PTV were also submitted to the provincial office.
During the meeting, serious issues faced by artists were highlighted, including the shutdown of sound systems in various districts, alleged harassment by police during programs, raids on artists’ residences without prior notice, and the registration of unjustified cases.
Participants pointed out that due to the absence of organizational cards, artists face additional difficulties, and since most artists belong to underprivileged backgrounds, payment of fees is also a challenge. The provincial cabinet acknowledged that despite limited resources, all possible efforts are being made for the welfare of artists.
On the occasion, Provincial President Saeeda Khan and Patron-in-Chief Bilal Khan alias Be-Bo thanked all participants and said that they were fully aware of artists’ problems and that unity and collective efforts would ensure their resolution. District presidents were directed to meet senior police officials to resolve artists’ issues; otherwise, the provincial cabinet would itself approach police heads in the concerned districts.
Artists were urged to get themselves registered and obtain NOCs prior to programs to avoid any legal complications. It was announced that associations would soon be established in districts where they do not currently exist, and all registered artists would be issued notifications and organizational cards at the earliest.
The meeting also discussed special welfare packages for artists in view of the upcoming month of Ramadan, and it was decided to approach political, social organizations and well-off individuals for support.
It was announced that show-cause notices would be issued to members who participate in programs organized by rival associations without prior permission. Meetings with senior authorities regarding health cards for artists, separate hospital beds, inclusion of artists in PTV dramas and programs, Umrah opportunities and housing schemes are ongoing.
The Provincial President proposed that office-bearers in each district contribute a monthly amount of Rs 100 or Rs 200 to a welfare fund for artists. She also emphasized punctuality, mutual respect and organizational discipline.
During the meeting, the District President of Mardan tendered his resignation from the post due to personal engagements.
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