Our artists have illuminated the world: said by Chairman Saraiqistan Watan Party ,Saraiki film director Ahsan Fredi and Saraiki film star Akram Nizami
MULTAN: Like Lahore, a film city should be established in Saraiki Waseb and we will resist cultural exploitation. Our artists have illuminated the world through their own efforts and the treatment of Waseb’s artists as stepchildren must end.
These views were expressed on sunday by Saraiqistan Watan Party Chairman Zahoor Dheri, Saraiki film director Ahsan Fredi, Saraiki film star Akram Nizami and Akbar Jalali during a joint discussion held at Dheri Jahn.
They stated that ignoring the Saraiki Waseb, a 50-acre film city is being announced in Lahore. This project, worth billions of rupees, is funded by the taxes of Saraiki Waseb, and it is akin to pouring salt on the wounds of the underdeveloped Saraiki region.
They added that the underdeveloped Saraiki Waseb needs modern facilities for film, TV, animation, digital media, VFX, and post-production, including state-of-the-art studios, sound stages, and post-production labs. However, everything is being allocated to Lahore.
Zahoor Dheri emphasized that basic human issues in Saraiki Waseb are not being addressed, while Lahore is developing projects with monthly subsidies worth billions. Such an exploitative system will not be accepted.
He further stated that there should be a cultural policy based on equality and justice, not just Punjab’s cultural policy.
Ahsan Fredi said that Saraiki artists are facing difficulties; Sound Act has left artists’ livelihoods in the cold. The Saraiki Artists Welfare Fund ignores the artists of Waseb, and the Sound Act should be abolished.
Akram Nizami pointed out that Saraiki artists have made Pakistan’s name shine in the world through their own efforts, but their contributions are not recognized. Artists of Waseb face problems at every step.
He also mentioned that just as a 50-acre film city is being built in Lahore, a similar facility should be established in Saraiki Waseb. Akbar Jalali added that last year, the Punjab government distributed millions of rupees among Lahore’s artists, but more attention is needed for the underdeveloped Saraiki Waseb artists.
He further said that art councils should be established in every district of Saraiki Waseb; despite approval, Rahim Yar Khan’s art council has not been formed yet. The new building of the Bahawalpur Art Council should become functional immediately.
Reported By : Staff Reporter ,Multan I May 24, 2026
