PESHAWAR: Members of the artist community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have called for the postponement of the upcoming Hunar Mela, alleging financial irregularities, lack of transparency and exploitation of local performers in the management of the cultural event.

In a statement issued in Peshawar, representatives of singers, musicians and performers said the festival had moved away from its stated purpose of promoting local talent and had instead become dominated by private event management companies and contractors.

The artists demanded that the provincial government delay the event until a transparent breakdown of the festival’s budget and expenditures is made public. They also called for an inquiry into the tendering and procurement process related to the event.

According to the statement, concerns have been raised over spending on decorations, publicity campaigns and private contractors, while local artists allegedly remain underpaid and excluded from decision-making.

Artists seek direct payment system

The artist community also demanded an end to what it described as a “middleman culture” in the organisation of cultural events.

Representatives said performers are often forced to work through private event management firms, which they claim affects fair compensation and professional independence. They called for a direct payment mechanism to ensure artists receive payments without third-party involvement.

The statement further proposed the formation of permanent consultative councils at provincial and district levels to include artist organisations in decisions related to cultural policy, talent selection and future events.

The artists warned that protests could expand across the province if concerns regarding financial transparency and contracting practices are not addressed by authorities.

They urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to take steps to support the province’s creative sector and ensure that public funds allocated for cultural activities directly benefit local artists and performers.