PTV funding has come under scrutiny after Pakistan’s economic managers raised concerns over the state broadcaster’s growing reliance on government support to meet its regular and operational expenses.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet noted that several organisations approach the Finance Division late for funding because they fail to budget their expenditures proactively.

The ECC directed the Information and Broadcasting Division to prepare a comprehensive financial sustainability roadmap for PTV and submit it by the end of September 2026.

PTV seeks Rs13 billion

The Information and Broadcasting Division had sought Rs20 billion from the Finance Division for PTV during the 2026-27 financial year.

The Finance Division approved Rs13 billion and proposed releasing the amount in quarterly instalments of Rs3.25 billion.

The ECC subsequently approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs13 billion for PTV. The committee stipulated that the Finance Division would release the funds quarterly.

ECC questions PTV’s financial model

The committee also stressed the need for PTV to develop its own revenue sources.

It suggested establishing a mechanism to collect a licence fee to reduce the broadcaster’s dependence on off-budget government funding.

The ECC also raised concerns about PTV’s large workforce compared with leading private news channels.

Officials noted that PTV’s staffing levels were not proportionate to its revenue.

The Information and Broadcasting Division defended the broadcaster’s workforce, saying PTV operates across a much wider geographical area than private television channels.

According to the division, PTV’s nationwide coverage increases its human-resource and operational costs.

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Focus on content and revenue generation

Some ECC members suggested that PTV could improve its financial position by focusing more heavily on drama and performing arts content.

The committee approved the proposal and asked the Information and Broadcasting Division to develop a detailed plan for making the broadcaster financially sustainable.

PTV operates under the Companies Act, 2017, and remains under the administrative control of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The ministry described PTV as Pakistan’s national public service broadcaster, with a mandate to support national integration and highlight the country’s cultural diversity.

PTV cites rising operating costs

The ministry told the ECC that PTV must maintain uninterrupted nationwide broadcasting and meet substantial recurring expenses.

These include salaries and allowances, utilities, satellite and transmission costs, programme production, security services, contractual payments and other essential operating expenses.

The government therefore approved the Rs13 billion supplementary grant to help PTV meet its immediate financial obligations.

The ECC’s decision also signals a push for PTV to reduce its long-term dependence on government funding and develop a more sustainable revenue model.