Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar today categorically dismissed as baseless the rumours circulating about the non-payment of salaries at Pakistan Television (PTV), asserting that the ministry possesses adequate funds to ensure the state broadcaster”s continued operations following the abolition of the PTV fee.
The minister”s remarks were delivered during a session of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly for Information and Broadcasting, which convened in the capital under the chairmanship of Nadeem Abbas.
Mr Tarar dispelled the impression that the national broadcaster would be unable to function and affirmed the ministry has sufficient financial resources to manage its affairs without issue.
Addressing the committee on recent appointments, the information minister stated that the recruitment of anchors at PTV was conducted strictly on merit. He emphasised that a zero-tolerance policy against favouritism is being rigorously implemented in the hiring process.
Highlighting significant administrative reforms, he noted the historic appointment of a Director of Human Resources at the institution for the first time.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the automation of all employee records has been completed, which preserves the data and makes the complete details of all personnel readily accessible.
In another key appointment, Mr Tarar announced that Alia Rashid, described as a well-reputed name in sports journalism, has been appointed to lead PTV Sports.
The committee was also provided with a comprehensive briefing on PTV”s overall financial and administrative standing, human resource management, and the ongoing institutional reforms.