PM formally approves Artists Fund

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani formally approved the implementation by respective ministries and divisions of the decisions announced in his address to the nation on August 14. The recommendations were based on his exhaustive sessions with artists and intellectuals from across the country held during the months of July and August 2011.The prime minister approved the establishment of the Federal Government Artists Fund with seed money of Rs 200 million. The renowned writers and artists from across the country will from part of the Steering Committee to operate this fund.He also approved establishment of “National Book Museum” and April 22 to be observed as National Book Day annually.Appointment of Cultural Attaches’ in Pakistan’s Missions abroad and inclusion of writers, poets and artists in the Prime Minister entourage during his foreign visits was also approved.Commissioning and construction of a Cinema house in Islamabad, Opening of a “Classical TV Channel” to take care of our classical music, and promotion of our cultural heritage through feature films, drama broadcasting and other literary programmes was also approved by the prime minister.