ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has approved the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) proposals for 2026–27, recommending a total allocation of Rs.12.831 billion for 14 projects, with a call for timely and full financial releases to avoid delays.
The approval was accorded during a meeting held at the Ministry under the chairmanship of Pullain Baloch, MNA.
The committee urged the Finance and Planning Divisions to prioritise the approved schemes and ensure uninterrupted funding so projects can be initiated and completed on schedule.
After detailed briefings by departmental heads, the committee endorsed the project-wise proposals as submitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and recommended that they be forwarded to the Ministry of Planning and Development for inclusion in the PSDP 2026–27.
It further stressed the need for the Planning Ministry to ensure allocation and release of required funds for the completion of six ongoing projects.
Members highlighted that most proposals involve procurement of equipment and cautioned that piecemeal financing leads to delays, as equipment cannot be procured in parts. The proposed schemes focus on upgradation of Pakistan Television Corporation, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, and Associated Press of Pakistan; strengthening Pakistan’s global image through media coordination and youth engagement; AI-based strategic communication training for Information Group officers and media professionals; and solarisation of selected PBC and PTV stations to ensure sustainable, cost-effective operations.
The Ministry also informed the committee that six projects are expected to be completed in the current financial year (2025–26), subject to the timely release of Rs.2.929 billion by the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ministry.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Nadeem Abbas, Kiran Imran Dar, Romina Khurshid Alam, Kiran Haider, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, and Sehar Kamran, along with the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broad-casting and senior officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026