NA panel reviews PTV performance
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting met on Thursday at PTV Headquarters under the chairmanship of MNA Pullain Baloch to discuss matters related to Pakistan Television (PTV).
The committee was informed that PTV earned Rs7.5 billion in advertising revenue in FY 202324, surpassing its target of Rs6.2 billion. The revenue target for the current year is also expected to be met.
Despite this, PTV continues to face financial challenges. A major portion of the Rs10 billion collected through the TV licence fee in electricity bills is reportedly used for salaries and pensions. The management attributed delays in salary payments to diverted funds for international financial obligations and the purchase of international media rights.
The committee was also briefed on increased viewership resulting from programming enhancements and new on-screen talent, as well as ongoing efforts to upgrade the pension management system in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board.
Details of non-performing and politically appointed employees laid off during the current restructuring process were also shared.
Addressing the delayed allotment of plots to journalists in Islamabad's Sectors F-14, F-15, and Bhara Kahu, the committee directed the Ministry to complete application scrutiny and resolve related grievances within two months.
On the PEMRA (Amendment) Bill 2025, moved by MNA Asia Naz Tanoli, the committee reviewed the report submitted by its sub-committee headed by MNA Mehtab Akbar Rashdi. PEMRA was directed to provide its feedback on the recommendations.
The committee instructed PTV, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), and Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC) to ensure disbursement of salaries and pensions to all employees before the upcoming Eid.
Earlier, the committee unanimously passed a resolution praising the professionalism of Pakistan's armed forces in defending national sovereignty against Indian aggression.
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