Amraiz Khan
Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan on Friday declared that the artistes like Shaukat Ali are invaluable asset of to the country who earned great fame for Pakistan.
“The Punjab government has taken revolutionary steps to resolve economic problems of the artistes. The government has initiated financial support programme for artistes, which is being disbursed on monthly basis through a transparent system.”
SACM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan stated this during her visit to residence of renowned artiste Shaukat Ali. During the visit, the special assistant enquired after his health and announced that from now onwards the Punjab government would bear all the medical expenses of Shaukat Ali. She also presented cheque for Rs200,000 to Shaukat Ali on behalf of the Punjab government.
Addressing the media, she said that under the artistes support fund, the Punjab government is giving a monthly stipend of Rs5,000 to 1,600 to deserving artistes. She said that the government is going to introduce a comprehensive cultural policy as well. The government is providing from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000 as health grant to artistes in case of any illness. Health cards would be issued to every artist living in Punjab, she further said. She also announced to nominate Shaukat Ali for Sitara-e-Imtiaz. She said that under the Naya Pakistan housing scheme, houses will be given to homeless and deserving artists as well.
Responding to a question, Dr Firdous said that corona had limited the movement of artistes to their homes but the political artistes are performing shows despite increasing number of corona cases. She said that the political jugglers of opposition are performing in the political circus just for their material gains and to save their looted money. She said that by ensuring rule of law, the government would provide opposition legal treatment. Bilawal has surpassed the Calibri Queen in political acting, she said. She said that the government is bringing reforms in the electoral process of the country but PDM leadership is creating hurdles and is against “show of hands” in the Senate elections but the PTI government will not give opportunity to those who are expert in horse trading and holding institutions hostage.
Dr Firdous said that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is taking marvellous steps to promote sports and tourism in the province. She said that a comprehensive tourism policy has been introduced for the first time in the history of the province under which a total of 176 rest houses have been opened to the general public. She said that under the Punjab tourism for economic growth project, the government is improving the road infrastructure of six tourist-spots in the province.
Earlier, internationally renowned Pakistani boxer Muhammad Waseem called on Special Assistant to CM at her office. During the meeting, Dr Firdous expressed good wishes for the boxing fight of Muhammad Waseem and said that Muhammad Waseem had earned fame for Pakistan and made Pakistanis proud at international level. Dr Firdous said that the Punjab government is striving hard to promote sports culture throughout the province. Coaches of Muhammad Waseem Danny Waan, Martin and Dominic were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to CM on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that 31 corona patients have died and 831 new cases were reported during the last 24 hours in Punjab.
In a statement, she said the total number of corona cases has reached to 130122 in Punjab while the number of patients in Lahore is 63601. As many as 3511 have died of corona in Punjab, she added.
