PESHAWAR: The artist community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has urged the provincial government to restore the Directorate of Culture, emphasizing its critical role in preserving and promoting the province’s rich cultural heritage. In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Minister, the artists highlighted the challenges they face following the dissolution of the Directorate during the previous government’s tenure. The move, they claim, has disrupted cultural activities, marginalized artists, and diminished opportunities to showcase the province’s diverse traditions. The letter outlines how the Directorate of Culture had been instrumental in promoting local arts, supporting artists, and organizing cultural events that brought national and international attention to KP’s heritage. The artists argue that the Culture and Tourism Authority, established to oversee cultural matters, has overshadowed the cultural sector’s distinct identity, leaving the artistic community struggling for recognition and opportunities. The artists proposed the restoration of the Directorate of Culture to prioritize the preservation of cultural heritage, development of a comprehensive policy to support the welfare and professional growth of local artists and demanded organization of regular cultural events and festivals to celebrate the province’s traditions. They emphasized that restoring the Directorate is vital not only for preserving KP’s cultural legacy but also for ensuring the artist community’s rightful place in society. The artist community remains hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, and decisive action will be taken to safeguard the province’s cultural identity for future generations. DLP Report
