F.P Report
PESHAWAR: Through several resolutions passed unanimously, the artists demanded of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to launch an annual folk music festival and exchange of troupes of artists to promote peace through music in the region.
The participants condemned killing of artists and rising violence against them in the province during the last few months. A new Pashto titled ‘ Fankaar Na Maree’ ( Artist never dies) by noted writer , Laiqzada Laiq which contained profiles of around 30 popular Pashto folk singers both dead and alive was also launched on the occasion .
KP government urged to implement cultural policy in its true letter and spirit by fulfilling promise of setting up an art academy and endowment fund for the welfare of the artists.
Ihtisham Toru, chief of the Press cultural committee on the occasion said awareness should be raised among people regarding the significance of art and artists in the society. He said artists hailing from the tribal districts deserved our special attention.
The Peshawar Press Club cultural committee and Cultural Journalists Forum (CJF), Peshawar jointly organized the event at the Zubair Mir Hall, on Sunday to mark the global music freedom day attended by art critics, folk artists and music lovers in large number.
Senior folk singer , Khial Mohammad in brief talk while chairing the event said that having served Pashto music for over six decades , he was no longer in the position to perform but it grieved him much to see artist’s community in poor condition. He pleaded in a choking voice that at least, artists being symbol of peace shouldn’t be treated like beggars in the street.
Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, , Prof Abid Ali Khattak, Pashto film star Shahid Khan, ustad Nazeer Gul and Rashid Khan also spoke at the function. Noted folk singers including, Ahmad Gul ustad, Gluabkhel, Fazal Akbar Rahi, Jalil Shabnam, Abshaan Masih Zulfiqar Bhatti, Mashal Khan, Haroon Razaq Maish and Ali Khan also performed at the event.
