ECC orders PTV to prepare plan to end reliance on government funding

The Economic Coordination Committee has asked the Information and Broadcasting Division to draw up a plan by the close of September 2026 that would help Pakistan Television Corporation meet its own expenses and lower its dependence on state funds. Profit reported that the panel also wants the broadcaster to set up a mechanism for licence fee collection, which it sees as a way to earn income and cut its off-budget dependence. Committee members voiced worries that PTV's headcount was out of step with its revenue, while the ministry countered that its wider geographic coverage, unlike the largely urban reach of private channels, pushes up staffing and operating costs.

Some ECC members proposed that PTV could revive itself by putting more emphasis on drama and performing arts, a step meant to strengthen its revenue base. The ministry told the panel that PTV operates under the Companies Act, 2017, and is under the ministry's administrative control as set out in the Rules of Business, 1973, while also running nationwide services and meeting recurring costs for salaries, utilities, satellite charges and programme production.

The Finance Division had earlier approved Rs13 billion for FY2026-27 and suggested a technical supplementary grant, which the ECC has since approved at the same amount. The Finance Division will disburse the money in tranches of Rs3.25 billion each quarter, while the ministry had initially asked for Rs20 billion.