Islamabad: During a session in the National Assembly today, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar announced ongoing efforts to revitalize Pakistan Television (PTV), aiming to transform it into a more vibrant and profitable media organization. The government’s commitment is part of a broader strategy to enhance the state broadcaster’s operational efficiency and financial health.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the minister addressed various aspects of the revitalization plan, including the implementation of a minimum wage policy of 37,000 rupees for PTV employees. This policy has already been put into action and awaits formal approval by PTV’s Board of Directors. These steps underscore the government’s dedication to improving the working conditions and financial sustainability of the national broadcaster.
In response to another query during the Question Hour, Minister Tarar detailed the aftermath of a significant fire incident at the Weekly Bazar H-9 on July 10, which resulted in the loss of 625 stalls, with financial damages amounting to approximately 280 million rupees. Following an inquiry, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the development of a comprehensive fire safety plan and mandated monthly fire safety audits of all Mercantile Bazaars in Islamabad, aligning with the Islamabad Fire Prevention and Life Safety Regulations 2010 and international standards.
Additionally, discussions in the National Assembly covered other national concerns, including the status of daily-wage staff under the Chaklala Cantonment Board in Rawalpindi. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif clarified that these positions are contingent and cannot be regularized due to the absence of sanctioned vacancies.
The Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted the Capital Development Authority’s launch of three projects valued at over 873 million rupees to upgrade the infrastructure in rural areas of Islamabad to urban standards, further promoting regional development.
Moreover, Minister Tarar emphasized the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards women’s inheritance rights, announcing upcoming legislative measures and an awareness campaign aimed at reinforcing women’s rights in accordance with Islamic principles.
In a spirited address, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for unity and cooperation among all political parties to address the nation’s challenges, stressing the importance of civil discourse and economic accountability within the government. His call was supported by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who endorsed the formation of a high-power committee to foster collaborative policy-making.
The assembly also heard from various political leaders who advocated for a focus on democratic values and the welfare of the common populace over partisan interests, echoing a collective commitment to upholding the Constitution and the integrity of the Parliament.