ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday said that electronic media channels in Pakistan are facing multiple financial challenges, despite operating under a formal regulatory framework that includes editorial oversight, tax compliance, and accountability to regulatory bodies.
Responding to supplementary questions during the National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the minister said electronic media remains the only sector with a structured code of conduct and editorial boards, while also being answerable to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other institutions. He said the government was taking steps to clear outstanding payments owed to private television channels to ensure timely salary disbursement to media employees. The issue, he added, would also be reviewed in the upcoming meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), scheduled for Friday.
Tarar noted that media organisations often seek expedited payments around Eid to facilitate staff salaries. He said a dedicated cell within the Press Information Department (PID) monitors pending payments and maintains liaison with media houses to streamline the process. He said media workers’ issues were crucial, and urged all stakeholders to join hands for evolving a mechanism to resolve those issues.
The minister expressed hope that one instalment of outstanding payments would be released before the end of the current financial year to reduce financial pressure on media organisations and ensure timely wages for employees.
Highlighting the role of electronic media, Tarar said it plays a critical part in promoting public awareness and safeguarding national interests through campaigns on issues such as polio eradication, climate change, counter-terrorism, and digital financial inclusion.
He said government advertising is allocated on the basis of ratings, with channels categorised into top-tier, mid-tier, and lower-tier segments. He added that media payment matters are coordinated with the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), the representative body of electronic media channels.
According to the minister, total advertising-related payments from 2024 to 2026 across ministries and public sector bodies amounted to around Rs8 billion, though some broadcasters have argued the figure should be higher.
He acknowledged that several television channels are currently facing financial difficulties, with some unable to pay staff salaries for up to four months, and stressed the need for broader industry support.
Tarar said the government is working with stakeholders to develop a consensus framework for the protection and welfare of media workers. He also proposed a financial assistance mechanism for the families of media employees who die during service, suggesting that media organisations should establish dedicated support packages.
He further stated that digital media policy has not yet been approved, while government publicity campaigns are currently managed through PR firms on an existing framework.
Referring to state broadcaster PTV, the minister said it had maintained financial discipline, secured broadcasting rights for major international events such as the FIFA World Cup, and contributed to national pride. He noted that footballs used in the tournament were manufactured in Sialkot.
Shazia Marri, speaking during the session, said that while anchorpersons receive high salaries, reporters and camera crews often do not receive adequate compensation. She urged timely payment of salaries across all media staff categories.
In response, Tarar said the government was considering releasing another tranche of media dues in June to help ensure salary payments. He also suggested that media houses should introduce compensation packages for families of employees who pass away during service.
He reiterated that strengthening electronic media was in the national interest and said further reforms and coordinated efforts with stakeholders, including the PBA, would be pursued to stabilise the sector.
