Latest news with #PullainBaloch
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
NA panel reviews PTV performance
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting met on Thursday at PTV Headquarters under the chairmanship of MNA Pullain Baloch to discuss matters related to Pakistan Television (PTV). The committee was informed that PTV earned Rs7.5 billion in advertising revenue in FY 202324, surpassing its target of Rs6.2 billion. The revenue target for the current year is also expected to be met. Despite this, PTV continues to face financial challenges. A major portion of the Rs10 billion collected through the TV licence fee in electricity bills is reportedly used for salaries and pensions. The management attributed delays in salary payments to diverted funds for international financial obligations and the purchase of international media rights. The committee was also briefed on increased viewership resulting from programming enhancements and new on-screen talent, as well as ongoing efforts to upgrade the pension management system in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board. Details of non-performing and politically appointed employees laid off during the current restructuring process were also shared. Addressing the delayed allotment of plots to journalists in Islamabad's Sectors F-14, F-15, and Bhara Kahu, the committee directed the Ministry to complete application scrutiny and resolve related grievances within two months. On the PEMRA (Amendment) Bill 2025, moved by MNA Asia Naz Tanoli, the committee reviewed the report submitted by its sub-committee headed by MNA Mehtab Akbar Rashdi. PEMRA was directed to provide its feedback on the recommendations. The committee instructed PTV, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), and Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC) to ensure disbursement of salaries and pensions to all employees before the upcoming Eid. Earlier, the committee unanimously passed a resolution praising the professionalism of Pakistan's armed forces in defending national sovereignty against Indian aggression.
Express Tribune
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Panel to liaise with journalists on PECA law
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has decided to form a sub-committee to address concerns of the journalists regarding the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The decision was announced during a committee meeting chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar said the Act is solely intended to regulate digital media and would not impact newspapers or television channels, as they are already governed by existing regulations. Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has admitted for hearing another petition filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) against some recent amendments to the country's cybercrime lawthe Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA), 2016. The journalistic organization — the PFUJhas also approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the "draconian" amendments bulldozed through parliament last week. LHC's Justice Farooq Haider on Thursday took up the petition for hearing and later issued notices to various respondents including the federal government. The petition argued that the PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025 was passed after suspending the National Assembly rules. It said the bill was introduced without consultation with journalistic organizations and will severely impact the freedom of expression granted by the Constitution. In its petition filed in the IHC through Advocate Imran Shafiq on Thursday, the PFUJ claims that the PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025 is an attack on press freedom. It says that the amendment is unconstitutional and illegal, requiring judicial review.
