On January 2, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting expressed serious concern over the failure of Pakistan Television management to present a viable business plan or develop alternative revenue streams following the discontinuation of licence fee collection through electricity bills. The committee noted that PTV could not rely solely on government grants to meet its operational and employee-related expenses.
The meeting was held at PTV Headquarters in Islamabad under the chairmanship of MNA Pullain Baloch. The committee decided to constitute a four-member sub-committee, headed by MNA Nadeem Abbas, to devise a comprehensive business plan, ensure sustained payment of salaries, and identify factors and individuals responsible for PTV’s current financial difficulties.
The sub-committee was also mandated to assess the performance of PTV Sports, examine its revenue portfolio, and carry out a performance appraisal of the Head of PTV Sports, who has been appointed on a high salary package.
The committee raised concerns over the status of Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company, which is under liquidation on the orders of the Islamabad High Court. The court-appointed liquidator informed the committee that, without a government-approved revival plan within two months, as assured by the Minister for Information, the company would be wound up, adding that only 50 employees remained in service.
The Director General of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed the committee that a proposal addressing pending liabilities and a revival plan had been submitted to a committee constituted by the Prime Minister, but was still awaiting discussion and approval. The standing committee directed the ministry to pursue the matter to prevent further job losses.
The committee also expressed satisfaction with the compliance report submitted by the Director General of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation regarding a stalled PSDP project in Karachi. It directed that bi-monthly progress reports be submitted and was informed that a technical committee had found long-stored equipment to be functional and suitable for installation.
