The Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has extended its patronage to Radio Pakistan and PTV, terming them as promoters of national cohesion and defenders of ideological boundaries of the country.

The Committee was met at the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Headquarters, Islamabad today with Member National Assembly Pullain Baloch in the chair.  

The meeting discussed agenda related to revival of PBC and making it self-reliant through utilization of available resources with the Corporation and PEMRA (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Briefing the committee, Director General PBC Saeed Ahmed Shaikh said a financial plan has been devised for raising revenue through advertisement and sale of air-time. He added the plan also envisages utilizing unutilized spaces through public-private partnership mode and installation of ATM booths and cabins, Bill Boards and Digital screens at PBC premises throughout the country.

Apprising the Committee about the automation of pensioners, the Director General said this exercise helped bursting ghost pensioners who were inflicting burden on PBC.

Talking about the outstanding dues against organizations, advertising agencies and individuals, he said all possible administrative and legal actions are being taken to realize all outstanding amounts.

The committee also directed for taking up the issue of a defaulting security firm which owe 403 million rupees to PBC otherwise the issue be referred to the Ministry of Interior.

The Committee lauded the efforts of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Secretary Information Ambreen Jan and DG Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh for leading the organization towards self-reliance.

The Committee suggested for re-examining the rates of rents of PBC properties presently rented to government organizations and private parties, brining it at par with the prevalent market rates.

Regarding the outstanding dues of PBC pensioners, the forum directed for taking up this issue with the Finance Division.

The Committee also suggested for collaboration between Pakistan Broadcasting Academy and Mass Communication Departments of local public and private sector universities and Institutions like Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services for better utilizing the training facility with PBC.