Govt slashes 1,232 PTV positions to cut costs

January 18, 2025 (MLN): To save costs and reduce losses, the government has decided to abolish 1,232 positions from the 5,442 sanctioned posts in the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV).

The plan, focused on digital expansion, content licensing, and profitable marketing partnerships, was presented to the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoIB).

The committee meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division, as per the press release issued.

It also highlights opportunities for public-private partnerships and the strategic utilization of PTV properties to maximize operational efficiency and overall revenue potential.

MoIB also outlined a roadmap for the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) focusing on sustainable development, organizational growth, financial sustainability, and improved services.

The business plan submitted for PBC primarily emphasized several measures to ensure income generation through improved program content and better signal quality.

The plans were prepared in compliance with the directions of the CCoSOEs and the format prescribed by the Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) of the Finance Division.

The proposal also included utilizing seven large unused concrete spaces and six expansive tracts of open land in various cities, along with installing ATM booths and advertising billboards at suitable Radio Pakistan locations.

The Committee was informed that PBC would be able to achieve a break-even point within two years after executing the proposed business plan.

The CCoSOEs deliberated on both plans and approved them, emphasizing the importance of achieving operational excellence and the timely implementation of planned actions to achieve desired results.

The committee also advised the MoIB to work through the administrative boards of both PBC and PTV to proactively utilize their unused spaces, assets, and open lands.

It recommended preferably selling these to the private sector rather than engaging in real estate activities at the cost of their core functions as state broadcasters.

The committee discussed the reconstitution of the Board of Directors of Karachi Tools, Dies, and Mould Centre (KTDMC) under the Ministry of Industries and Production, aiming to enhance corporate governance and ensure effective decision-making for the entity.

The committee approved the appointment of five principal candidates from the private sector, along with ex-officio directors, for a three-year term. Abdur Razaaq Gauhar was appointed as the Chairman of the Board.

The reconstitution of the Board of Directors of the Technology Upgradation and Skills Development Company (TUSDEC) was also approved.

The committee appointed six principal candidates from the private sector, along with ex-officio directors, for a three-year term. Muhammad Noor ud Din Daud was selected as the Chairman of the Board.

This reconstitution aligns with the SOEs Ownership and Management Policy, 2023, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and aligning the company’s goals with national priorities.

Copyright Mettis Link News