ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Culture, and National Heritage Attaullah Tarar has launched a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan Television (PTV), “shutting down 25 low-rated shows” and introducing a new policy aimed at promoting openness, professionalism, and constructive criticism.
According to a media report, Tarar had vowed to root out “sifarishi culture, incompetence and fake news” on PTV.
Attaullah Tarar said this is only the beginning of the “Operation Clean Up” initiative. Report said the minister had faced resistance from “interested groups and mafias,” but remains determined in his mission to change PTV.
Minister has announced the recruitment of professional anchors and producers, while warning that fake and incompetent staff will be dismissed.
As per report, minister had also brought in multiple experts to revamp PTV’s programming, aiming to make it comparable to private channels. He has addressed concerns about the ratings of talk shows on PTV, stating that the policy has been changed to allow for openness and criticism of the government.
In report, the minister has also hinted at taking action against those behind a malicious social media campaign opposing the changes.
The report noted that “with a focus on marketing and sales, Tarar aimed to make PTV’s shows profitable and vibrant, starting with the successful coverage of the ICC T20 World Cup.”
