Various welfare programs underway for Artists’ well-being: DG KPCTA

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority is undertaking continuous measures for the welfare and well-being of artists, artisans, and cultural personalities across the province

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Feb, 2026) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority is undertaking continuous measures for the welfare and well-being of artists, artisans, and cultural personalities across the province.

Several programs and policy initiatives are currently being implemented to ensure structured support for the cultural community, says Director General Muhammad Usman Mehsud while chairing a meeting regarding artists’ welfare initiatives.

The Director General stated that under an ADP scheme approved in 2021, the Authority was allocated Rs. 200 million.

The profit generated from this amount, after approval by the Board of Directors, was distributed among 574 deserving artists in 2025, with each recipient receiving Rs. 100,000. The distribution ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s House.

He further informed that earlier financial assistance of Rs. 30,000 per artist had also been provided under the “Living Custodians of Culture” program, which was a specific initiative implemented under the Directorate of Culture and has since been completed.

The DG highlighted that for the long-term welfare of the artist community, the provincial government approved a law in 2022, with its legislative process completed in 2024.

Under this law, the concept of a Rs. 500 million Endowment Fund was introduced. The fund will be deposited in a bank, and the profit generated will be utilized to support deserving artists. The transfer of funds is currently in process, and within one year of its transfer, the profit earned will be spent on artists’ welfare.

He clarified that under the Endowment Fund Act, a Culture Committee has already been constituted to provide assistance to needy, ailing, or financially distressed artists in accordance with established rules and regulations.

Muhammad Usman Mehsud further stated that the Authority has issued advertisements through newspapers and social media platforms to collect comprehensive data of artists, artisans, and individuals associated with the cultural sector across the province.

The objective of this initiative is to carry out digital mapping and registration of artists to ensure organized and transparent provision of government assistance and facilities in the future.

Reiterating the Authority’s commitment, he affirmed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority will continue to implement coordinated and sustainable measures for the welfare, protection, and promotion of the province’s cultural community.