It’s been about five months since the Imran Khan-led government came into power. And while the government is trying to resolve the multi-faceted challenges the country faces, artists including Shaan Shahid and Vasay Chaudhry are not happy with its pace on giving shape to the country’s “Cultural Policy.”
Last night, the multi-talented writer/actor/host, Vasay Chaudhry made some surprising tweets where he expressed his discomfort over the cultural ministry’s response (or lack thereof) on his detailed recommendations from the platform of Cultural Advisory Council (Punjab); of which he was also a member, and announced that he would be stepping down from his seat in the council.
Vasay’s Twitter Thread
In a thread of six tweets, Vasay informed his followers that he was part of the aforementioned cultural council (Film Sub-committee) along with Shaan, Syed Noor, and Rashid Khan for the past three months. He further informed that the committee made multiple suggestions to government and that a lot of them are, in fact, at the implementation stage.
1/1 I have been a part of the cultural advisory council (Punjab) more specifically the Film sub committee(along with Mr.Shaan,Syed Noor and Rashid kh Sb )since last 3 months.This committee was formed by the minister for Culture.
During this time We offered multiple suggestions— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) January 13, 2019
1/2 some of which are as follows
1)offering medical services to veteran artists.
Im pleased to share that by the grace of god & support from CM punjab, Health cards are now being issued to artists across the province.— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) January 13, 2019
He spoke extensively on the projects during his tenure which even included the suggested ‘Lahore Film Festival’ where not only locals would participate, but will have participation from various countries.
The contributions of the committee, Vasay announced, also included steps towards elimination of the production hardships through subsidies, permissions, and even tax reliefs.
1/5 ..the reason i mentioned all these things because I feel a moral obligation even if it's in the capacity of an advisor as i believe that i'm accountable for my performance because its the tax payers money which was utilised in those long sessions & meetings.
— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) January 13, 2019
1/3
2) I also suggested to introduce a Lahore Film Festival with participants from various countries.
3)It was also suggested that a film authority be formed in Punjab offering benefits (subsidies,permissions etc)to help film production & revival of the film industry in Punjab.— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) January 13, 2019
1/4
4) Re structuring of the Taxes on Cinemas in Punjab along with suggestions to curtail the cinema mafia.( comprising of ideas/suggestions to benefit the Pakistani film Producers so they can produce more films )— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) January 13, 2019
1/5 ..the reason i mentioned all these things because I feel a moral obligation even if it's in the capacity of an advisor as i believe that i'm accountable for my performance because its the tax payers money which was utilised in those long sessions & meetings.
— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) January 13, 2019
Finally, after listing his contributions through the platform, Vasay announced that he would be stepping down since the ministry didn’t seem interested in forwarding his passionately thought-out paperwork.
1/6 having said that I will be stepping down frm the cultural advisory council as there is No point in sitting around when the carefully & passionately thought out paperwork is Not being forwarded or implemented for reasons best known to the Cultural ministry.
Pakistan Zindabad— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) January 13, 2019
Unlike the ending of a Pakistani film, the abrupt conclusion of the three month’s working by the Cultural Advisory Council was far from happy.
Shaan Not Too Happy Either
Later today, superstar Shaan Shahid also took to Twitter and expressed similar sentiments. He reminded the prime minister of the importance of cultural policy and said that the entertainment industry is waiting for one.
Dear prime minister sir we need a culture policy , I believe the potential in the entertainment industry is huge , if we want to export more then import then we must concrete our industries and entertainment industry is waiting for a policy ??❤️? pic.twitter.com/GkFbE4tmOz
— Shaan Shahid (@mshaanshahid) January 13, 2019
It is pertinent to mention here that PTI’s Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan is Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture, whereas Fawad Chaudhry heads the same ministry on the federal level. All eyes are now on both these minister and it is to be seen how quick they respond to the industry’s demand for a comprehensive culture policy.
