Govt asked to take steps for promotion of folk music.

PESHAWAR -- Artists and music experts gathered at the hall of culture directorate here on Wednesday to mark World Music Freedom Day and demanded of the government to build a music street to improve the condition of folk artists.

A large number of music buffs, poets and writers attended the function. The event was organised jointly by Hunari Tolana, culture directorate and Cultural Journalists Forum (CJF).

The participants of the event said that Pashto folk music spanned over 6,000 years and had roots in classical music too.

They said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had produced a number of prominent folk singers. They added that government should take steps for preservation and promotion folk music of all the linguistic groups living in the province.

The participants passed several resolutions to demand building of music street, induction of seasoned artists in the proposed 'Culture and Tourism Authority' and taking notice of alleged mishandling of musicians by police.

Senior folk singer Ahmad Gul Ustad in his brief talk said that provincial government had announced a comprehensive culture policy but it was not being implemented in letter and spirit. He added that setting up a music street would help to create greater space for budding artists.

Rashid Ahmad Khan, chief of Hunari Tolana, said...