Zain-ul-Abideen Abid
The primary responsibilities of the state include public welfare, rule of law, delivery of justice, and strengthening of institutions—not running television channels or newspapers. In modern and developed nations, states do not control media but instead ensure its independence and freedom. A truly free media serves as a mirror to the state; when enslaved, it becomes merely a mouthpiece for those in power. That’s why, globally, whether it’s print or electronic media, state ownership is considered against democratic values.
In Pakistan, print media like newspapers function successfully under private ownership. This raises a pertinent question: why do state-run channels like PTV still exist? The very existence of PTV contradicts the principles of media freedom. It has become a “white elephant”—a burden on the national treasury. While modern media outlets offer fast, informed, and critical reporting, PTV continues to present a slow, outdated, and one-sided narrative. Journalists rightly argue that institutions like PTV now serve merely as platforms to benefit a few individuals. Most recruits in PTV lack basic journalistic training or the ability to influence public opinion. These individuals often use the platform for personal financial gain and then leave, while the institution continues to deteriorate. Neither viewership increases, nor revenue, nor public trust.
A free press is essential for democracy, accountability, and transparency. In contrast, state-run media becomes the voice of the government rather than the people. Therefore, the state should not run media houses but should create an environment that is independent, fair, and transparent. If PTV cannot redefine its role, it is better to shut it down.
The Prime Minister’s decision to abolish the mandatory PTV license fee—previously collected from 42.6 million electricity consumers, generating roughly 1.5 billion rupees annually—is a welcome move. For the first time, the public feels a real step has been taken for their welfare. Removing this fee is akin to lifting a burden that citizens have been forced to carry for decades. The most unfair aspect of PTV was this compulsory fee—charged with every electricity bill regardless of whether the consumer watched PTV or not. This coerced collection did not even spare ordinary users, rural farmers, urban laborers, or even sacred institutions like mosques. Is it not blatant injustice that the entire nation should financially sustain a failing state-run broadcaster?
Though a small step, this action is commendable and raises hopes for similar reforms in other sectors so that the average Pakistani may experience real relief.
Once a prestigious platform for national unity, cultural development, and educational awareness, PTV has now become a financial liability. In an age when the world is moving towards digital media, PTV—with its sluggish pace, narrow vision, and political bias—has become obsolete. Whether it is news or entertainment, PTV’s content lacks creativity, insight, and relevance to public issues. How long can such an institution survive while draining the national exchequer?
Today, PTV is not a symbol of free journalism but a mouthpiece of the ruling government. A singular political narrative dominates its coverage, while opposition voices are either distorted or completely suppressed. Should a state-funded institution, sustained by fees from the public, function merely as a promotional tool for one political party? No. It should represent the voice of the people. With Pakistan’s economy under immense pressure—marked by inflation, unemployment, and budget deficits—charging citizens for such institutions amounts to state-sponsored dishonesty. Resources wasted on PTV could be better utilized in education, health, or science and technology, delivering real benefits to the nation.
According to the Ministry of Finance, out of 212 state-owned entities in various government sectors, 197 are operating at a loss, employing nearly 450,000 individuals. These entities continue to rely on government subsidies and bank guarantees, but remain financially unsustainable due to politically motivated hiring, electricity theft, non-payment of bills, poor governance, and corruption.
On January 18, 2025, during a cabinet committee meeting chaired by Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, it was revealed that PTV suffered a loss of 30 million rupees in the fiscal year 2023–24. According to figures presented in the National Assembly by the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, the government collected over 18.86 billion rupees in PTV fees over two years. Despite collecting more than 9 billion rupees annually from consumers and earning significant advertising revenue from both government and private sectors, PTV remains in financial loss. In 2023–24, PTV News was projected to earn 357 million rupees, but interim reports show it generated only 200 million, while expenses exceeded the 585 million rupee budget and reached 688 million rupees. Notably, PTV currently employs 95 anchors.
Institutions like PTV have outlived their usefulness. They no longer provide quality content, accurate news, or hold any place in the competitive media landscape. PTV is no longer a bearer of national identity—it has become a burden the nation can no longer afford. Until we stop sustaining such white elephants, Pakistan will continue to lag in the race for development.
Though the public welcomed the decision to abolish PTV fees from electricity bills, the joy on their faces was not one of genuine relief. That’s because, in the public eye, PTV is now just a white elephant—a burden that will still be funded from their pockets in one way or another, whether through new taxes or hidden charges. Therefore, the wiser and more effective decision would be to completely dismantle such an outdated institution and move towards a modern, independent media culture. The state’s resources must be dedicated to the development of its people—not wasted on institutions that merely echo government narratives. If we aspire to build a true democracy, ensure media freedom, and become a modern state, we must move beyond this outdated model.
