From Our Correspondent:
Islamabad, Feb 6, 2025 – The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has approved a PKR 8.558 billion budget under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP 2025-26) for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, covering 14 major projects aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s media, broadcasting, and digital infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, prominent MNAs, and senior officials from PID, PTV, PBC, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Key Allocations for Media Development
The committee, chaired by Mr. Phulain Baloch, reviewed six ongoing and eight new projects, with a focus on modernizing Pakistan Television (PTV) and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC). Major allocations include PKR 1.6 billion for a dedicated parliamentary broadcast channel, PKR 1.7 billion for a state-of-the-art sports studio, and PKR 780 million for a digital PTV channel to boost revenue through online platforms. Additional funds were earmarked for expanding the Saut-ul-Quran FM network, improving radio signals in Gilgit-Baltistan, and upgrading PBC Lahore’s broadcasting equipment and facilities.
Media Expansion in Balochistan & Cybercrime Concerns
The committee stressed the need for enhancing media outreach in Balochistan and border areas and developing a strategic counter-narrative against anti-state propaganda. Concerns over cybercrime laws were raised, with recommendations for consultations with journalist associations, press clubs, APNS, CPNE, and digital media organizations to safeguard press freedom and digital journalism.
Regulating Advertisements & Financial Transparency
Additionally, the committee sought details on PTV anchor salaries, recent recruitments in state media, and financial transparency. It rejected PBC’s rental policy and directed a market-based revision. PEMRA was instructed to curb excessive advertisements during prime-time TV broadcasts and live sports events to improve viewer experience.
