Islamabad, January 2, 2026: The Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Friday expressed serious concern over the failure of Pakistan Television (PTV) management to present a viable business plan and alternative revenue streams following the discontinuation of PTV licence fee collection through electricity bills.
The Committee was of the view that PTV could not sustain its operations solely on government grants while continuing to meet operational and employee-related expenses. The meeting was held at PTV Headquarters, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Mr. Pullain Baloch, MNA.
Taking stock of the situation, the Committee constituted a four-member Sub-Committee under the convenership of Mr. Nadeem Abbas, MNA. The Sub-Committee has been tasked with devising a comprehensive business plan for PTV, ensuring sustainable payment of salaries, and identifying factors and individuals responsible for the current financial crisis. It was also mandated to review the performance and revenue portfolio of PTV Sports, including a performance appraisal of the Head of PTV Sports, who was hired on a high salary package.
The Committee also expressed concern over the prevailing situation of the Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC), which is currently under liquidation on the orders of the Islamabad High Court. The court-appointed Liquidator informed the Committee that if the government failed to submit a revival plan within two months, as assured by the Minister for Information during a recent court hearing, the company would have no option but to wind up its operations. He added that only 50 employees had been retained, while the rest were laid off due to the company’s financial constraints.
Briefing the Committee, the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that a proposal for the revival of SRBC and settlement of its pending liabilities had been submitted to a committee constituted by the Prime Minister under his Advisor on Political Affairs. He informed that the proposal was awaiting discussion and a final decision. The Committee directed the Ministry to actively pursue the matter to ensure that no employee of SRBC was rendered jobless.
Meanwhile, the Committee expressed satisfaction over the compliance report submitted by the Director General of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) regarding a stalled PSDP project in Karachi. The Committee directed the PBC to submit bi-monthly progress reports on the project.
The DG PBC informed the Committee that, on its recommendation, a technical committee comprising technical experts, PBC engineers, and officials from the Ministry had assessed equipment lying in containers for over a decade. He said the committee concluded that the technology was still relevant and the equipment was in good condition and could be installed. He assured the Committee that periodic progress reports would be submitted.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Nadeem Abbas, Kiran Imran Dar, Asia Naz Tanoli, Romina Khurshid Alam, Kiran Haider, Shaheen, Sehar Kamran, Syed Amin Ul Haque, Rana Ansar, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and senior officials of departments under the Ministry.
