ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Thursday warned that Pakistan Television (PTV) cannot survive on government grants alone and must urgently present a viable business plan with alternative revenue streams to meet its operating and employee-related expenses following the discontinuation of PTV licence fee collection through electricity bills.
The committee, held under the chair of Pullain Baloch, MNA, expressed serious concern over the management’s failure to outline a sustainable financial roadmap. To address the crisis, the committee constituted a four-member sub-committee, convened by Nadeem Abbas, MNA, tasked with formulating a comprehensive business plan, ensuring sustained salary payments, and identifying the factors and individuals responsible for PTV’s current financial distress. The sub-committee will also assess the performance and revenue profile of PTV Sports, including a review of the head of PTV Sports appointed on a high-salary package.
The committee also took up the precarious situation of Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC), currently under liquidation following Islamabad High Court orders. The court-appointed liquidator informed members that without a government-backed revival plan within two months— as assured by the Minister for Information in court— the company would face winding up. Only 50 employees have been retained so far, with the remaining laid off due to financial constraints. The Ministry of Information stated that a revival proposal has been submitted to a committee constituted by the Prime Minister under his Advisor on Political Affairs and is awaiting consideration. The standing committee urged the ministry to expedite the process to prevent further job losses.
Separately, the committee expressed satisfaction over the compliance report submitted by the Director General, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), regarding a stalled PSDP project in Karachi. It directed the submission of bi-monthly progress reports. The DG PBC informed the committee that, on its recommendation, a technical committee had assessed equipment lying unused in containers for over a decade and found the technology still relevant and in good condition for installation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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