PTV and Radio Pakistan Drown in Debt, Unpaid Wages, and Property Scandals: Senators Demand Urgent Reform
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: Pakistan Television (PTV) and Radio Pakistan are facing a deepening financial crisis, with lawmakers calling out mismanagement, unpaid salaries, bloated staffing, and criminal neglect of state-owned properties during a Senate Standing Committee meeting. The session laid bare how both national broadcasters are being run into the ground, raising urgent questions about accountability and survival.
PTV’s collapse began with the federal government’s decision to discontinue the discourse fee, a move that instantly erased Rs 11 billion in annual revenue. Lawmakers were stunned to learn that the broadcaster now relies on only Rs 5 billion in advertising, with no credible plan to bridge the massive gap. “Whoever made this decision clearly never thought of the consequences,” remarked one senator. “How does PTV survive without income? Through magic?”
Committee members grilled PTV officials over rising costs and shrinking performance. Salary expenditures ballooned from Rs 475 million in 2022 to Rs 820 million in 2025, even as the organization employs more pensioners (3,765) than regular staff (3,560). Add another 1,173 contractual workers, and the wage bill becomes unsustainable. The government has already slashed anchor salaries over Rs 500,000 by 20%, and 84 ghost employees were recently fired, including some who never even checked in via biometric systems. Another 280 workers with fake degrees are under review for termination.
But lawmakers remained unconvinced. “Why are you still hiring while drowning in debt? Why are pension liabilities larger than the workforce?” one member asked sharply. “If this isn’t a case for privatization, what is?”
PTV’s digital progress was also dismissed as symbolic at best. Officials said they earned just Rs 1.9 million through YouTube and other social platforms—a laughably small sum compared to the billions in losses. Parliamentarians urged either privatization or listing the broadcaster on the stock exchange to bring in outside investment and improve transparency.
Radio Pakistan fared no better. The committee heard disturbing reports of illegal occupation of its heritage buildings, including the historic Karachi headquarters, once occupied by Rangers and now lying empty. In Malir, unauthorized tenants have taken over servant quarters, using Radio Pakistan’s electricity via kunda systems and living rent-free. “Who is responsible for guarding national property?” one senator asked, demanding a full survey of all Radio properties nationwide.
Employees across both institutions are bearing the brunt of the chaos. Security guards and staff haven’t been paid in four months, while top anchors and bureaucrats continue to draw large salaries. Committee members were furious that the same organizations begging for federal support have done little to fix internal corruption and misuse of resources.
The committee demanded full records: a five-year employment breakdown, a detailed deficit report, and a recovery plan. Officials were also told to explain why historic studios remain closed, boosters lie underutilized, and drama archives are being sold unofficially online.
In closing, senators issued a warning: If leadership at PTV and Radio Pakistan fails to show serious reform, the government must stop funding failure. “No more blank cheques,” one member declared. “It’s time to face the music.”
