Islamabad
(Special Reporter)
PTV has outperformed expectations by generating PKR 7.503 billion above its advertising revenue target. During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting held at the PTV headquarters in Islamabad, key disclosures were made regarding the channel’s finances and operations.
It was revealed that a significant portion of the PKR 10 billion collected through TV fees has been spent on salaries and pensions. The committee also announced a decision to dismiss non-performing employees who were hired on political grounds. All details related to this issue were thoroughly unveiled in the session.
The committee addressed the long-standing delays in plot allotments in major sectors of the federal capital, including Barakh and Twelve-Koh, giving strict notices to the concerned authorities. The delay has caused frustration among journalists, and the committee urged that all pending requests by journalists should be resolved within two months.
Appreciating the professional competence of Pakistan’s armed forces in countering Indian aggression, the committee expressed full solidarity with the military in defending the country’s sovereignty. The leadership role of the Prime Minister was praised, alongside the media’s effective response to enemy propaganda. The committee reiterated Pakistan’s peaceful stance while emphasizing its commitment to professionally respond to any act of aggression.
In light of ongoing financial challenges due to international obligations, the committee instructed that PTV and Radio Pakistan employees must receive their salaries and pensions before Eid. Similarly, the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and SRBC were directed to immediately clear all pending dues.
PTV’s growth in viewership was attributed to screen modernization and the introduction of fresh faces on the channel. Efforts are underway in collaboration with Punjab IT Board to improve the pension system.
Furthermore, the committee ordered the implementation of recommendations from the sub-committee on the PEMRA Amendment Bill 2025 and requested PEMRA to present a detailed stance on these points.
The session was attended by members including Daniyal Chaudhry, Nadeem Abbas, Asia Naz, Sahar Kamran, and Amin ul Haq, along with the Secretary of Information Ministry and Directors General.
