ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan PTV Pensioners Alliance and former senior officers of Pakistan Television (PTV) have expressed deep concern over the federal government's decision to abolish the TV license fee without a comprehensive plan for the survival and stability of PTV. In separate meetings held in Islamabad, the participants called upon the government to immediately announce a viable plan to ensure the financial sustainability of PTV.
The meetings were attended by former Managing Directors, Directors of the News Division, News Controllers, and other senior officials of PTV, as well as representatives of the All Pakistan PTV Pensioners Alliance. The participants expressed astonishment over the hasty decision to discontinue the collection of TV license fee via electricity bills without considering the implications for PTV's financial stability.
"We are duty-bound to ensure that PTV survives as a financially viable entity to play its vital role as an effective organ of National Security and as custodian of our cultural heritage," said the participants in a communique issued at the close of the meeting.
The participants resolved to adopt a three-pronged strategy to achieve their objectives, including negotiations with the government, legal proceedings at an appropriate forum, and protest as a last resort. A four-member committee will be constituted to explore the possibilities of negotiations with the federal government, while a three-member legal committee will be established to initiate proceedings to challenge the government's decision.
The participants expressed deep concern over the negative consequences of the government's decision, which will create a sense of insecurity and despair among PTV employees and negatively impact their professional performance. They also regretted that the government did not consult media experts or take key stakeholders into confidence before making this decision.
The meeting drew public attention to the fact that the TV license fee is not unique to Pakistan and is also in effect in countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan. Such license fees provide necessary funds to national broadcasters to serve national objectives, protect cultural heritage, and promote cultural values.
The participants appealed to the government to promptly accept the demands of PTV pensioners and save them from hardship. They also urged the government to strengthen PTV financially and technically to enable it to play its role effectively in promoting Pakistan's interests globally, particularly during the current crisis, and to combat fifth-generation warfare and fake news.
