The Sindh Government has officially restructured the Culture Department Management Board under the approval of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, introducing new members and suspending the earlier board established in 2018. This significant move aims to ensure better management of endowments and scholarships for artists, writers, poets, and performers across the province.
Sindh Government Restructures Culture Department Board
According to a spokesperson for the Culture Department, the decision was taken to strengthen the department’s efforts in promoting cultural development and supporting the artistic community. A formal notification has been issued by the Chief Secretary Sindh, with the approval of Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah. The new Management Board for the Culture Department will now be led by Minister for Culture and Tourism, Zulfiqar Ali Shah, who has been appointed as the Chairman.
The Secretary of Culture will serve as the Vice Chairman, while the Director General (DG) of Culture will act as the Secretary and Member of the board. This reshuffling represents a step toward transparent decision-making and efficient distribution of financial support to deserving cultural contributors.
Prominent Members Join the Culture Department Management Board
The newly formed Culture Department Management Board includes several renowned figures from the arts, literature, and entertainment industries of Pakistan. The spokesperson confirmed that the President of the Arts Council Karachi, President of the Sukkur Arts Council, and Secretary General of the Sindhi Literary Board will be among the official members.
In addition, the new board features celebrated names from the entertainment world — singers Sanam Marvi and Rajab Faqir, along with acclaimed actors Javed Sheikh, Ayub Khoso, Ahsan Khan, and Muneeb Butt. Notable writers and intellectuals such as Noorul Huda Shah, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, and Irfan Samo have also been included.
This diverse representation ensures that multiple aspects of Sindh’s cultural and artistic heritage will be addressed under the new setup. It also provides a platform where both senior and emerging artists can raise their concerns and suggestions through a unified channel.
Objective: Financial Assistance for Artists and Writers
One of the primary goals of the restructured Culture Department Management Board is to provide financial support to struggling artists, writers, and performers who are facing economic hardships. The spokesperson emphasized that the board will manage endowment funds and scholarships to help poor and deserving individuals sustain their creative pursuits.
The Sindh Government, through this initiative, aims to preserve the province’s rich artistic traditions by empowering its creative community. The Culture Department has stated that financial aid will be distributed based on the collective decisions of the board’s chairman, vice chairman, and members. This joint decision-making approach is expected to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair distribution of resources.
Supporting Sindh’s Cultural Heritage
Sindh has long been recognized as the cultural heart of Pakistan — home to poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and a thriving community of musicians, painters, and actors. However, many artists face financial instability, particularly those working in regional arts and traditional crafts. The reformation of the Culture Department Management Board is expected to provide structured assistance to preserve Sindh’s artistic heritage.
Experts note that such steps are vital for sustaining cultural identity, especially at a time when global trends and economic challenges threaten local art forms. By providing regular funding, grants, and recognition to talented individuals, the Sindh Government hopes to motivate young artists to continue contributing to the cultural landscape.
A Collaborative Approach to Cultural Development
With the inclusion of respected personalities from different fields, the new Culture Department Management Board is set to work collaboratively on developing programs and projects that benefit artists across Sindh. These initiatives may include talent scholarships, medical aid, training opportunities, and national-level recognition awards.
Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah highlighted that the government’s cultural agenda focuses not only on financial aid but also on creating opportunities for artists to showcase their work nationally and internationally. He reaffirmed that cultural promotion remains a cornerstone of Sindh’s development vision.
Transparency and Accountability in Financial Support
A key feature of the revamped Culture Department Management Board is its transparent financial management system. The Sindh Government intends to maintain clear records of fund allocation and ensure that assistance reaches only those genuinely in need. The board’s decisions will be reviewed periodically to maintain fairness and accountability.
The initiative also reflects the government’s broader aim to strengthen the connection between cultural institutions and the people they serve. Artists who previously struggled to access official support are now expected to benefit from a more organized and accessible system.
The Sindh Government’s reformation of the Culture Department Management Board marks a progressive step toward supporting the province’s vibrant artistic community. With an inclusive panel of accomplished professionals, the initiative promises fair and efficient distribution of resources to those who have dedicated their lives to culture and creativity.
By prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and long-term support, the Culture Department is paving the way for a more sustainable cultural future — one that celebrates Sindh’s artistic heritage while empowering its artists, writers, and performers to thrive in changing times.
