- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday sought a workable plan to revamp Pakistan Television’s (PTV) to overcome financial problems and demanded full lists of its staff and anchorpersons in response to growing scrutiny over the organization’s budgetary challenges.
The meeting chaired by Senator Ali Zafar, the committee deliberated on key legislative and administrative matters relating to the media sector. The Committee voiced concern over recent recruitment at PTV despite mounting financial strain and the loss of revenue following the removal of the TV license fee from electricity bills.
The committee also requested detailed reports on matters concerning APP pensioners, operational affairs of Radio Karachi, and a full-year record of paid advertisements issued by the Press Information Department (PID).
Ministry officials reported that PTV’s annual budget of Rs. 11 billion had been fully utilized, with
Rs. 8.5 billion spent solely on salaries.
Senator Ali Zafar raised questions about inconsistencies between reported salary disbursements and on-ground realities, and called for a future briefing on viable reform strategies. With 3,507 regular employees, the committee demanded employment records from the past five years. Senator Sarmad Ali voiced concern over persistent financial losses and hinted at the possibility of privatization.
Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ms Ambreen Jan informed the committee that to offset the financial shortfall, Pakistan Television (PTV) would receive its allocated funds from the Ministry of Finance in quarterly installments.
The Secretary informed the committee that emoluments exceeding Rs 500,000 per month had been reduced, 84 employees had been terminated, and 280 staff members with unverified academic credentials were undergoing dismissal proceedings. Additionally, a team has been assigned to inspect 104 PTV boosters to identify and shut down malfunctioning units.
The meeting discussed key legislative and regulatory matters, including the Prohibition of Unethical Advertisements Act, 2025, the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2023, financial challenges facing Pakistan Television (PTV) and Radio Pakistan, and issues arising under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The Senate body deferred consideration of private member’s bill titled Indecent Advertisements Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduced by Senator Afnanullah Khan.
Senator Afnan Ullah, outlining key aspects of the bill, voiced concern over the increasing portrayal of gambling, alcohol, and inappropriate attire in TV and social media content. He pointed to betting advertisements during international cricket matches and depictions of alcohol use in drama serials as clear examples of regulatory gaps. In the bill Senator introduced various amendments, proposing an immediate halt to advertisements promoting alcohol and gambling, noting their detrimental impact on societal norms.
He said the surge of indecent content in TV drama serials, undermines cultural and religious values. He stated that the proposed bill seeks to amend existing laws and prohibit offensive language that could negatively impact those norms.
Sarmad Ali called for action by PTA or religious advisory bodies and proposed creating a content monitoring authority.
Senators voiced concerns over the enforcement of existing PEMRA regulations.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid argued that current penalties have been ineffective in curbing violations and warned against excessive regulation of cultural norms, particularly in relation to attire.
Senator Afnan clarified that the proposed legislation is not intended to target women. The committee agreed to move forward with voting on the bill, as the Chairman stressed the importance of maintaining balance, avoiding harsh measures or undue police involvement, and consulting the Minister for Information for a final stance.
Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Ambreen Jan, highlighted that Pakistani TV channels often air international sports events containing alcohol and gambling promotions, which fall beyond local regulatory control.
PEMRA Chairman Muhammad Saleem stated that the authority had successfully revised the content of six television dramas and altered 32 advertisements to ensure compliance with national regulations.
Senator Afnanullah withdrew the bill following PEMRA’s commitment to rigorously enforce a ban on alcohol and gambling advertisements aired on television screens.
Senator Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur raised concerns regarding government departments providing incomplete or selective information under the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill.
Senator Ali Zafar backed the proposal for mandatory written justifications in cases of information denial and supported inviting the Information Commissioner for further consultation. Senator Zarqa referenced Scotland as a model for transparency and prompt responses by public institutions.
The Committee also discussed challenges facing the cinema industry. Ministry officials clarified that film censor boards operate at both federal and provincial levels.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid highlighted the disconnect between the number of board members and the lack of active film production, citing the shortage of screening venues. He called for government investment in cinema infrastructure and recommended involving the Ministry of Finance to explore funding options.
The Committee decided to move forward with voting on the bill, as the Chairman underscored the importance of maintaining a balanced approach—avoiding harsh provisions or unnecessary police involvement—and consulting the Minister for Information for a final stance.
The committee concluded by discussing the registration of cases against journalists and social media activists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). It resolved to summon the Interior Secretary in the next session for further clarification on the matter.
The meeting was attended by Senators Pervaiz Rashid, Sarmad Ali, Jan Muhammad, Syed Waqar Mehdi, Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, and senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and relevant departments.