Islamabad: 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 convened at the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Headquarters, with Member National Assembly Pullain Baloch presiding over the meeting.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting discussed various agenda items, including the revival of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and its journey towards self-reliance through the efficient utilization of available resources, alongside the PEMRA (Amendment) Bill, 2024. During the session, Director General PBC Saeed Ahmed Shaikh briefed the committee on a financial plan devised to generate revenue through advertising and the sale of air-time. The strategy also includes utilizing unused spaces via public-private partnerships, and the installation of ATM booths, cabins, billboards, and digital screens at PBC premises nationwide.

The Director General highlighted the automation of pensioners as a measure to eliminate ghost pensioners, who had been imposing a financial burden on the PBC. Addressing the issue of outstanding dues from organizations, advertising agencies, and individuals, he assured the committee that all possible administrative and legal actions are being employed to recover these amounts.

The committee emphasized the need to address the issue of a defaulting security firm that owes PBC 403 million rupees, suggesting that if necessary, the matter should be referred to the Ministry of Interior. The efforts of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Secretary Information Ambreen Jan, and DG Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh were commended for steering the organization towards self-reliance.

Suggestions were made to re-evaluate the rental rates of PBC properties currently leased to government organizations and private entities, bringing them in line with market rates. Concerning the outstanding dues of PBC pensioners, the committee recommended addressing this issue with the Finance Division.

Additionally, the committee proposed fostering collaboration between the Pakistan Broadcasting Academy and the Mass Communication Departments of local public and private universities, as well as institutions like the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, to better utilize the training facilities available at PBC.