Call for steps for welfare of poets, artists
PESHAWAR: Former Ambassador of Pakistan, Manzoorul Haq on Sunday said poets and artists were playing a significant role in promoting the soft image of the country and underlined the need for taking practical steps for their welfare and financial support of their families to live a dignified life.
In spite of limited financial resources, he said, poets and artists were enhancing the country's prestige through their poetry and artwork and the time has come to take pragmatic steps at the Government level for their welfare.
"The renowned Pashto folk singer, Hidayatullah Khan had spent the last period of his life in extremely difficult conditions as he was overlooked for years despite rendering valuable services for the country's music industry," Manzoor told APP.
The recipient of President’s Award for Pride of Performance and numerous other awards from cultural organisations, had been living in oblivion since 2004 owing to domestic issues followed by health problems, memory loss and finally lost the battle for life in September last year.
"We need to give enormous respect and finanicial support to such legands in their life rather than waiting for their demise to acknowledge their services," Manzoorul Haq, who served Pakistan's Ambassador in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, told APP. - APP