Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting emphasized the need for structural and financial support to revive Pakistan Television (PTV) and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), aiming to make them self-reliant. The committee highlighted the importance of both organizations as promoters of national cohesion and defenders of Pakistan’s ideological boundaries. It noted past damaging administrative decisions and political appointments that burdened the entities and expressed a commitment to restoring their former status.

According to a statement by National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee convened at the PBC Headquarters in Islamabad under the chairmanship of MNA Pullain Baloch. Key agenda items included the revival of PBC through resource utilization and deliberation on the PEMRA (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Director General of PBC briefed the committee on various administrative and financial measures under the current minister and secretary’s leadership.

The DG outlined a financial plan to increase revenue by leveraging advertisement sales and public-private partnerships, projecting potential earnings exceeding Rs.500 billion. Efforts to streamline pension payment systems were also discussed, including actions against defaulting entities and a security firm owing Rs.403 million to PBC.

The committee commended the efforts toward organizational self-reliance and suggested revisiting property rental rates to align with market standards. Concerns about outstanding dues for PBC pensioners prompted directions to engage with the Finance Division. Collaboration with academic institutions for enhanced training at PBC was also proposed.

While reviewing the PEMRA (Amendment) Bill, the committee expressed concern over the lack of a code of conduct for dramas and advertisements, which sometimes violate religious and social norms. Consequently, a sub-committee, led by MNA Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, was formed to develop recommendations through industry consultations.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar, MNAs Nadeem Abbas, Kiran Imran Dar, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Romina Khurshid Alam, Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, Sehar Kamran, Rana Ansar, and other officials.