Cultural Department of Balochistan and Artists Welfare Committee Hold Key Meeting to Discuss Endowment Fund and Artists’ Support

Quetta:A significant and productive meeting was held today between the Cultural Department of Balochistan and the Artists Welfare Committee at the department’s headquarters in Quetta.

A representative delegation from the committee — including Aftab Jabal, Mir Behram Baloch, and Arif Bugti — met with the head of the department, Mr. Sohail Rehman, and praised his continued efforts for the promotion of Balochistan’s cultural heritage.

The meeting centered on the challenges faced by artists in the province, the current status of the Rs. 4 billion endowment fund, and future policy planning. The committee also submitted a written request addressed to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, urging an increase in the fund to extend financial support to a larger number of artists.

The request highlighted the long-standing decline of various performing and fine arts in the province and called for federal-level action to help revive these sectors.

### **Key Highlights from Sohail Rehman’s Address:**

> *”We are currently supporting 300 artists, compared to just 100 in the past — a testament to the committee’s dedicated efforts. However, true support for artists means reviving their sources of livelihood, such as theatre, drama, music, and cultural events,”* said Rehman.

He further outlined recent improvements:

* The number of **comperes** supported has increased from 4 to **25**
* **Actors** receiving assistance have gone up from 23 to **60**
* **Singers** on the list have increased from 36 to **75**
* **Folk dance** and other traditional art forms have also been given their fair share in fund allocation

Rehman reaffirmed the department’s commitment to not only continue current financial aid programs but also to actively revive cultural platforms such as stage plays, musical events, and drama — ensuring that the cultural soul of Balochistan is preserved and revitalized.

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