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ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday directed Radio Pakistan to furnish a detailed account of its nationwide properties, province-wise employee strength including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, pensioners, and the locations of upcoming FM stations.
Chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch, the committee further instructed that Radio Pakistan’s land in Quetta be utilized for educational or health facilities instead of being converted into a park. DG Radio Saeed Ahmed Shaikh briefed members that the Balochistan Chief Minister had requested the land for a park, but assured compliance if the committee recommended otherwise.
Expressing concern over repeated bailout requests, the committee advised Radio Pakistan’s management to prioritize income generation, stressing reliance on government grants is unsustainable.
DG Radio informed that income is projected to rise from Rs 300 million to Rs 1 billion by June 30, 2026, with expansion plans including installation of 31 new transmitters. He noted pensions consume a major share of funds, with 1,805 employees and 3,704 pensioners, and sought a bailout package from the finance ministry to clear commutation liabilities of 348 pensioners, as limited funds currently allow payments to only a few each month.
Secretary Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil said radio should not be treated as a commercial entity, appreciating efforts to boost revenue while acknowledging budget shortfalls. The committee also expressed indignation over delayed briefs that left members little time for preparation.
During a briefing on Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC), the committee stressed that employee liabilities must be resolved in collaboration with the finance ministry, Rana Sanaullah Committee, and the parliamentary secretary for information and broadcasting.
Chairman SRBC Muhammad Saleem informed members that the company faces liabilities of Rs 2.31 billion and has sought a bailout package to clear dues and outsource airtime. He added that out of 280 employees, only 50 remain, while the rest were dismissed on court orders.
In a separate briefing on the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), the committee was told that the council enforces 17 ethical points, monitors violations, and adjudicates complaints from 1,542 registered newspapers.
PCP has received 112 complaints, resolving 75, while 36 remain pending. The council holds three monthly meetings, accepts online complaints, and has activated its social media presence. PCP Chairman Arshad Jadoon also delivers lectures on media ethics at universities.
The committee directed the ministry to strengthen PCP with modern infrastructure, IT equipment, and establish provincial offices to expand its monitoring role.
The meeting was attended by Kiran Imran Dar, Asia Naz Tanoli, Shaheen, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Sehar Kamran, Syed Amin ul Haq, Rana Ansar, High ranking officers of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, SRBC, Radio Pakistan and Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry