Govt finalizes restructuring plan for Radio Pakistan: Firdous

LAHORE, Oct 08 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Tuesday said the government had finalized a restructuring plan for Radio Pakistan in line with the modern times requirements.

Addressing a press conference here at the Lahore Radio Station, she said the outmoded analogue system would be replaced with the digital one as the technological mismatch at present had lessened Radio Pakistan’s effectiveness.

Dr Firdous said as the radio had more outreach than the electronic and print media, therefore, the replacement of old equipment would be the government’s priority.

Referring to her meeting with the trade union members of the Lahore station, she said she had taken the union representatives into confidence on the restructuring. Both the Information Ministry and the trade union were on the same page today, she added.

The special assistant said Prime Minister Imran Khan wanted reforms in the institutions in order to improve their performance and effectiveness.

Radio Pakistan, she said, was in a precarious situation. It was facing a financial crunch and the government had recently paid Rs 700 million to the radio employees on account of salary and pension.

About the outreach, she said radio was an effective medium of information. The Radio Pakistan’s broadcast were even listened to by the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir despite information embargo by the Indian government, she added.

She said the Radio Station Mirpur was damaged during the recent earthquake and temporary arrangements had been made in a container to continue the transmission.

The special assistant said efforts were being made for capacity building and training of the employees to make them a precious asset for the organization.

She said after taking charge of the office, she tried to resolve all the outstanding issues of Radio Pakistan and Rs 140 million was paid to it to clear the dues of artists and pending medical bills of the employees.

Responding to questions, Dr Firdous said Prime Minister Imran Khan had embarked on China visit to felicitate the Chinese people on their 70th National Day and learn how China made tremendous progress.