ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) Managing Director Arshad Khan has said that after posting losses over the past many years, PTV will finally turn into a profitable institution by the end of June 2019, primarily benefitting its employees.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Arshad Khan said that the sitting management of PTV had inherited huge liabilities of billions of rupees and a consistent loss generating trend; however, he was confident that his team will not only stall this trend but also meet the aggressive target by doubling the revenue as compared to that of 2017-2018.
Regarding previous liabilities, especially those related to pensioners, he stated that various options in this regard were being discussed with the government.
“One of our main focuses is to rationalise our expenses in light of the PM’s austerity drive and optimise our revenue streams. The management was geared up to turn around the organisation in the shortest possible time with the help of its employees,” the PTV MD said.
He reiterated the prime minister’s vision for PTV by saying that PTV will continue to be the custodian of national and cultural values by telecasting family entertainment, credible news and sports besides showcasing a positive and prospering Pakistan to the entire world, which, he added, will attract tourists and investors.
“Very soon PTV’s content will be available on all digital media platforms to enhance the ease of viewers globally,” Arshad Khan said.
He also stressed the need for investing in professional human resources (HR), technological upgradation, better-operating systems and improved content.
The MD also said that PTV had suffered heavily due to mismanagement, nepotism, corruption and external interference and that he was determined to not let such practices to continue anymore.
He reiterated that PTV is a national asset and it is here to stay to defend the ideological boundaries of Pakistan, adding that the prime minister wanted to see PTV as an efficient and independent state broadcaster like BBC and public service organisation that could instil hope and positivity in the society at large, “We are committed to that agenda,’’ Arshad Khan asured.
