Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Monday that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had registered an FIR in the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) corruption case after completing a detailed inquiry that confirmed serious irregularities.
Briefing the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting at a meeting chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch at PEMRA Headquarters, Tarar explained that FIA’s process was distinct from routine police complaints, requiring thorough investigation before establishing cognizable offenses.
He revealed that individuals involved in the case had attempted to exert political influence to secure reinstatement. However, APP management, led by its Managing Director Muhammad Asim Khichi, resisted the pressure and took firm action against corruption. Tarar praised the APP chief’s integrity, noting that he stood firm despite facing immense pressure.
The minister assured the committee that accountability would be ensured without discrimination, emphasizing that no one would be spared under political pressure. He added that he was personally in contact with FIA to ensure strict and unbiased action.
During the session, Tarar also briefed lawmakers on the financial challenges of Pakistan Television (PTV), particularly after the withdrawal of subsidies. He highlighted the heavy expenses of hiring foreign producers, commentators, and equipment for cricket broadcasting, but noted that PTV Sports continued to achieve ratings “twice as high” as private sports channels.
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He further informed the committee that PTV was providing equal coverage to opposition voices, with political representatives and analysts from all sides invited without censorship. Plans are under consideration to outsource PTV Home and revamp PTV World to meet modern broadcasting standards.
On employee welfare, Tarar stressed that merit-based reforms were being introduced in PTV, while efforts were underway to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions. Committee members, however, voiced concerns over salary delays, warning that the situation could worsen if not addressed urgently.
Officials from the ministry acknowledged that while salaries and pensions had been cleared up to June 30, 2025, arrears remained due to the discontinuation of the Rs 35 license fee. They informed the committee that on the Prime Minister’s directives, the Finance Division had committed Rs 11 billion annually to support PTV, to be released quarterly.
The committee also discussed pending rules for regulating Web TV and OTT platforms, recommendations on the PEMRA Amendment Bill 2024, and licensing matters for FM radio stations. PEMRA Chairman Saleem Baig noted that while 171 commercial and 68 non-commercial FM licenses had been issued, rules for digital platforms were still under Cabinet review.
Tarar also assured lawmakers that he would personally speak to the IG Sindh regarding the recent killing of journalist Khawar Hussain in Sanghar and present a report in the next session.
The meeting concluded with prayers for those who lost their lives in recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
