Press Release Title: Senator Fawzia Arshad , Presiding over a Meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 19th February, 2024

The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting convened at Parliament House on Monday, under the Convenorship of Senator Fawzia Arshad. Senators Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui, Waqar Mehdi, and Anwar Lal Dean, along with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi and other esteemed officials, were present to discuss crucial matters concerning the Ministry and its affiliated entities. The Ministry presented a comprehensive compliance report, addressing the recommendations from the committee's previous meeting. Concerns were raised regarding the appointment of the Managing Director of Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC). Senator Waqar Mehdi questioned the rules and advertisement procedures for the position, emphasizing the need for transparency. In response, the committee instructed the ministry to leverage its expertise in drafting guidelines for future MD PTVC appointments, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Senator Irfan, while showing concern said that in the last 5-6 years, 10 MDs were appointed, adding that in such a glaring situation how can the organization run and build its structure? The Ministry submitted a detailed plan to improve the financial outlook of PTVC, focusing on revenue growth through digitization, joint ventures, and Public-Private Partnerships. Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting highlighted the financial challenges, noting the organization's efforts to address them. Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed that the actual strength of PTV is 4100 and the organization has more than 3000 pensioners, adding that pensioners are paid through contributory funds. She further informed that Rs. 8-9 billion per year are collected through Rs. 35 levied in the electricity bills while RS. 4-6 billion per year earned through programming. The Ministry underlined that RS. 15 is proposed to be added to the electricity bill apart from Rs. 35 while DG PBC informed that the federal government has also been requested to charge every vehicle having a radio Rs. 5 on entry and exit points on motorways. Minister Murtaza Solangi emphasized the promotion of PTV products, specifically music and entertainment, through digital and social media marketing. The lack of social media experts in PTV was acknowledged, and Senator Waqar Mehdi suggested the publication of PTV program lists in newspapers for increased viewership. Senator Irfan Siddiqui emphasized the need for motivation and willpower within PTV's talented staff to maximize the organization's potential. During a meeting, the Convener Committee led by Senator Fawzia Arshad discussed PTV Sports' failure to obtain broadcasting rights for Pakistan Super League season 9. The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed the committee that the Pakistan Cricket Board conducts open bidding, and the bidding rate keeps increasing every time. The committee was told that PTV Sports bid up to Rs. 5.17 billion, but Asports won the rights with a higher bid of Rs. 6.3 billion for a two-year duration. The Secretary added that PTV Sports requested ARY for carrier/syndication, but their request was denied. The Ministry also attempted to approach the IPC, and PCB Chairman and floated a summary, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the committee appreciated the hard work of the ministry. The committee requested an inquiry report regarding the hiring of Vaneezah Ahmed as Head of Drama at PTV, highlighting concerns about a monthly salary of Rs. 0.75 million. The Ministry assured a thorough investigation and accountability. A reform proposal for all attached departments under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was also tabled during the meeting.   The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, appreciating the committee's efforts and the commitment of all involved parties to address critical issues in the realm of information and broadcasting.