- Advertisement -
KARACHI, Nov 03 (APP): The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting’s sub-committee, reviewing progress on PSDP Projects of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) on Monday, directed immediate measures for completion of the projects and further probe into fixing responsibility for inordinate delay.
The meeting, with Convener of the committee Syed Aminul Haq in the chair, was attended by committee members Raana Ansar and Sallahudin Junejo, Director General PBC Saeed Ahmed Shaikh and officials of the ministries concerned.
The committee was briefed on the current status of the project and efforts being made for its completion of the project.
The subcommittee expressed serious concerns over delay in installation of a shortwave transmitter at HPT Landhi in Karachi, a three-year project initiated in FY 2006, as well as under utilization of 15-story PBC building situated in a high commercial value area in vicinity of the Civic Center and Expo Center.
The convener of the sub committee Syed Aminul Haq, stressed the need of further reviewing the matter to determine the responsible and the intent, and also instructed the incumbent PBC management to submit the complete record including measures taken, challenges faced, a clear completion time frame and the future strategy to avoid any further delay and ensuring efficient utilization of resources, and allocated and utilized funds.
The prolonged delays not only increase costs but also undermine the effectiveness of projects meant for public benefit, the committee observed.
The committee was informed that two new proposals for installation of medium wave transmitters have received approval from the finance ministry and are under process at the planning division.
The DG PBC informed the committee that the procurement and placement of the equipment had been completed, and the foundation of the antenna structure had been paved, but there were challenges in installation and functioning of the system.
Later, talking to the media, Syed Aminul Haq stated that PBC and PTV are important state-owned organizations and require comprehensive measures for turning them into profitable entities while ensuring rights and welfare of the employees.
On a query about the newly introduced traffic management system, he emphasized that improvement of road infrastructure, installation of traffic signs, and streamlining the traffic management in the metropolis were pre-requisites and those must be ensured before enforcing the E-Traffic system.
Syed Aminul Haq, along with committee members Sallahudin Junejo and Raana Ansar, also visited the site of the project in Landhi area of Karachi and inspected the transmitter and development work carried out.