Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar on Information, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has announced that the Government of Punjab will issue health cards to all artists across the province. In a press conference, Dr Firdous said that the provincial government will also bear all health-related expenses of deserving artists.
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Explaining the scheme, Dr Firdous said that a biometric system will be introduced through social protection authority which will ensure a transparent system of providing the fund. All the funds will be transferred through the banking channel.
The SAPM told media that 1600 artists who were affected by the coronavirus were given relief by the Punjab government under the artist support fund, while 1500 deserving artists in Punjab received financial assistance worth Rs. 5000 each.
Dr Firdous made these comments outside the residence of famous singer Shaukat Ali. She also presented Ali a cheque worth Rs 200,000 on behalf of CM Buzdar, adding that the Punjab government has already given him Rs 300,000.
Ali reportedly has multiple medical issues, including diabetes and liver problem. He is famous for the patriotic songs he sang during the wars of 1965 and 1971. He is also the recipient of the Pride of Performance award.
It is pertinent to add here that Ali was treated at a Sindh government facility on special instructions of PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari after reports of his ailment and inability to afford treatment were circulated on social media.
Commenting on this Dr Awan said that she was sorry to learn that the singer had to go outside the province for his treatment while the Punjab government was distributing health cards across the province.
