Positive Reforms in KP Culture and Tourism Authority Welcomed by Artistic Community

Positive developments are being observed in the Culture and Tourism Authority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following recent administrative changes, particularly after the appointment of Director General Usman Mehsud. Members of the artistic and cultural community have welcomed these developments and described them as a positive step for promoting arts and culture in the province.
According to sources, several encouraging changes have been noticed within the authority. The recent appointment of Director Culture Ms. Halima has contributed to noticeable progress in cultural affairs. Meanwhile, Deputy Director Culture Haseena Shaukat is recognized for her dedication and professional approach. She has been actively meeting delegations of artists and representatives from the arts community, making serious efforts to ensure merit and transparency within the institution.
Additionally, the Culture and Tourism Authority is carrying out cultural mapping across the province. This includes collecting data on all local artists and mapping arts organizations and associations. This process is aimed at correcting past irregularities and mismanagement, with Haseena Shaukat playing a key role in ensuring that the process is conducted efficiently and fairly.
For the first time in the history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a professional committee has been formed within the Culture and Tourism Authority to review nominations for the prestigious Civil Awards. Members of the arts community have described this step as a historic milestone for ensuring merit in the selection process.
The committee includes prominent professionals from different fields of fine arts. From the performing arts sector, Najibullah Anjum, Ajab Gul, and Batin Farooqi have been included. In literature, renowned writer Bushra Farukh has been nominated, while in music, respected figures Ghulam Abbas Guldervi and prominent tabla player Sabz Ali are included.
Artists believe that including professionals in such committees will strengthen transparency and merit in the process and will promote the arts and culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Finally, members of the fine arts community have paid tribute to the Culture and Tourism Authority for these positive initiatives. They especially appreciated Director General Usman Mehsud and Deputy Director Culture Haseena Shaukat for their efforts. Through this news, artists expressed their support, stating that their main goal is to promote culture, ensure fair decisions, and create opportunities for artists’ welfare and employment. They also expressed hope that professionals will continue to be included in the future so that past shortcomings can be corrected and the province’s cultural sector can move forward positively.