Punjab Minister for Culture Khayal Ahmad Kastro has said that Punjab government is using all its resources for the welfare of artists. He said this while addressing the inaugural function of Talent Hunt 2021-22 at Punjab Arts Council, Rawalpindi as a chief guest. Provincial Culture Minister Khayal Ahmad Kastro said that Punjab Chief Minister Sardar and Usman Buzdar were trying to bring out new talent in the province while culture policy for artists would be approved by the cabinet soon.
“Artists are our identity in the world,” he said. The launch of the Artist Support Fund for the Welfare of Artists reflects the government’s priorities. There has been a significant increase in medical and marriage grants for artists. Punjab Talent Hunt is an important platform for the youth to express their art. Provincial Minister for Literacy and Non-Formal Education Raja Rashid Hafeez said that the talent of Punjab would emerge from such competitions which would be provided good platform.
He said that Punjab Chief Minister was working day and night for the development of every sector. Leading artist Masood Khawaja hosted the event. Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Muhammad Ali, Director Operations Punjab Arts Council Abrar Alam, Director Arts Council Waqar Ahmed and Naheed Manzoor were also present on the occasion. The Punjab Talent Hunt will feature competitions in music, fine arts, creative literature, crafts, cultural dance and theater. Competitions will be held at district, division and provincial level in which prizes of million worth of rupees will be given.
