ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Monday regarding reforms initiated to transform Pakistan Television (PTV) into a merit-based and profitable organization.
The minister informed the NA committee on Information and Broadcasting that, in the past, the national broadcaster had suffered from nepotism, abuse of authority, and corruption.
He noted that successive governments contributed to the organization’s current challenges, specifically pointing out a large number of employees in the PTV.
The minister asked the committee, that was chaired by Pulain Baloch, for proposals for rightsizing in PTV. If a Golden Handshake is introduced that allows employees to take a decision regarding the scheme as per their desire, it could significantly improve efficiency of the institution, he proposed.
The minister also elaborated the restructuring of PTV World (English) and the Digital Media Department, highlighting the introduction of new talent aimed at increasing viewership and revenue.
Meanwhile, the committee directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to review all relevant Acts and laws to ensure they align with recent Federal Cabinet decisions.
The Committee also directed the Ministry to initiate process of appointment of head of organizations under its administration thirty days prior to completion of their tenure in future.
The Committee was apprised that in accordance with the Supreme Court judgement in Mustafa impex case, the Federal Cabinet directed for making amendments in respective Acts and laws in consultation with Ministry of Law for replacing words “Federal Government” with appropriate authorities.
In view of above the Ministry had proposed amendments in Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2002, the Newspaper Employees (Condition of service) Act, 1973 and Associated Press of Pakistan Ordinance 2002 for replacing Federal Government with appropriate authorities.
The Committee after discussion unanimously approved the Bills.
The Committee also directed for appointment of permanent head of PTV and making it a viable and self-sustaining organization.
The meeting was attended by various MNAs including Nadeem Abbas, Kiran Imran Dar, Romina Khurshid Alam, Kiran Haider, Shaheen,. Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Sehar Kamran, Rana Ansar, and Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and other officers of departments under Ministry.