RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: A cheque amounting to Rs 10 million from the Punjab government was handed over to singer Naheed Akhtar on Tuesday in recognition of her services rendered in the field of singing.

Spokesman of Punjab government Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan while representing Chief Minister Punjab handed over the cheque to the pride of performance singer in a simple ceremony held at Alhamra Arts Complex. Executive Director Punjab Arts Council Capt. Atta Muhammad Khan (R) and Director Zulfiqar Ahmed Zulfi were also present.

Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan on the occasion paid tribute to the services rendered by Naheed Akhtar in the field of music and said that she had introduced a unique style in singing and inspired her fans with her magic voice. “Let me acknowledge that glamour in Pakistani music was first introduced by Naheed Akhtar and songs once sang by her were still popular among music lovers”, he said.

The spokesman further said that Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif believes that performing arts could play important role in promotion of tolerance in society. He announced that Punjab government shall soon arrange a seminar on Sufi poetry to discourage extremism among the youth, in general and among the students in particular.