Pakistan proposes PKR 4.9B for media upgrades as lawmakers question PTV hiring

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoIB) has proposed an allocation of PKR 4.925 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to enhance and upgrade media projects, including a new sports studio and an OB van at Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC).

The ministry informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information & Broadcasting on Tuesday that PKR 1.7 billion would be needed for the sports studio and OB van.

Officials stated that the investment would "enhance PTV's capabilities in live sports broadcasting by providing state-of-the-art facilities for both studio and on-location coverage."

The committee was also briefed about the PKR 1.6 billion required for the PTVC Parliament channel, which aims to provide public access to live and recorded parliamentary sessions.

The channel would offer focused coverage of key events, including cabinet meetings, presidential addresses, and other governmental proceedings.

Another PKR 425 million was proposed for a digital channel to generate alternative revenue streams through content post-production and digital employment integration.

The plan also includes PKR 500 million for upgrading transmitting equipment and infrastructure at Skardu and Gilgit radio stations, PKR 250 million for establishing Sautul Quran FM Radio along the Peshawar-Karachi motorway, PKR 200 million for revamping FM broadcasting equipment, PKR 150 million for medium wave broadcasting improvements, and PKR 100 million for rehabilitating transmission infrastructure in Lahore.

Lawmakers question PTV hiring

During the session, committee chairman Pullain Baloch criticized the MoIB for failing to provide details on new PTV hires.

"The ministry's attitude is not positive," he said. "We are parliamentarians and won’t allow ourselves to be insulted."

According to MoIB documents, 160 employees have been hired at PTV since February 2024. While salary details of 137 employees were shared, information on 23 high-profile hires was withheld.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar defended the decision, stating, "this is not the Public Works Department; this is media. Such scrutiny discourages professionals from joining PTV."

He added that private sector anchors were reluctant to work for state television.

Opposition member Sheikh Waqas Akram questioned the government’s media reforms, highlighting the absence of a PTV managing director for the past year.

He also criticized the hiring of YouTubers as anchors and pointed out that PTV Sports' budget had exceeded by PKR 1.1 billion without justification.

The committee is expected to continue its review of the proposed budget and hiring practices in future sessions.