Pakistan Television Corporation is facing renewed questions over recruitment practices and public funding.
The state broadcaster has reportedly accumulated losses of around Rs20 billion. Its financial position has also come under increasing pressure.
PTV’s revenues have declined sharply in recent years. The government has again provided financial support to maintain essential operations.
Earlier this year, the Economic Coordination Committee approved a Rs13 billion supplementary grant. The funding was intended to cover salaries and other necessary expenses.
The approved amount followed a larger Rs20 billion funding request. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had submitted the request to support PTV.
The funding included salaries, allowances, utility bills and other operational costs. However, allegations about recruitment have added another challenge for the broadcaster.
Claims of nepotism and favouritism have emerged regarding appointments at PTV. The allegations involve several people reportedly connected to one official.
According to the allegations, Muhammad Asif is described as the official’s son. He is reportedly working as a coordinator with a monthly salary of Rs80,000.
His reported qualification is Intermediate. Zeeshan Khalid, identified as a nephew, is allegedly working as a coordinator.
He reportedly receives Rs70,000 per month. Another individual, Kawish, has been described as a close relative and son-in-law.
Kawish is reportedly employed as a coordinator. His reported monthly salary is Rs70,000.
Muhammad Ramzan, identified as another nephew, is reportedly working as a researcher. His reported monthly salary stands at Rs55,000.
Ijaz Zaheer, also identified as a nephew, is allegedly employed as a spot boy. He reportedly receives Rs55,000 per month.
Mukhtar Ahmed has also been identified as a close relative. He is reportedly serving as a coordinator and researcher.
His reported salary is Rs80,000 per month. Dars-e-Nizami has reportedly been listed as his qualification.
Two additional names have been raised in the allegations. Rifaqat is reportedly working as a spot boy with a salary of Rs36,500.
Muhammad Zain is reportedly employed as a security assistant. His reported monthly salary is Rs55,000.
These claims have raised questions about merit and recruitment procedures at PTV. They have also prompted concerns about accountability within a publicly funded institution.
However, the allegations have not been independently established. The claims should be verified through official employment and personnel records.
The individuals named in the allegations should also have an opportunity to respond. PTV management should similarly clarify its recruitment and appointment procedures.
The controversy comes as the broadcaster faces significant financial difficulties. PTV had previously recorded a profit of nearly Rs870 million.
However, the broadcaster reported a loss of around Rs30 million during FY2023-24. Concerns were also raised over spending in several operational areas.
These areas reportedly included sports, programme production and current affairs. Financial pressures continued during the following financial year.
PTV’s revenue reportedly fell by 22 percent during FY2024-25. Revenue declined to around Rs14.3 billion during that period.
The corporation also recorded a net loss of approximately Rs639 million. A Finance Ministry report later highlighted the broadcaster’s financial difficulties.
The Central Monitoring Unit ranked PTV among the major loss-making public-sector entities. It placed the broadcaster at number 20 on its list.
PTV’s accumulated losses had reportedly reached around Rs20 billion by June 2025. The figure highlights the scale of the broadcaster’s financial challenges.
A large portion of PTV’s resources goes toward salaries and pensions. This leaves fewer resources for modernization and future expansion.
The broadcaster has also faced expenditure pressures in sports broadcasting. Programme production and current affairs have added further financial demands.
The latest funding intervention shows the government’s continued support for PTV. However, repeated financial assistance has also raised questions about sustainability.
The recruitment allegations have added another layer to the broadcaster’s existing problems. Public institutions are expected to maintain transparent and merit-based hiring processes.
Any confirmed violations could require further administrative or legal action. For now, the allegations remain subject to verification.
The financial situation also highlights the need for stronger management and accountability. PTV may need reforms to improve revenues and control expenditure.
The broadcaster remains dependent on public support for key expenses. Its financial recovery will likely require both cost controls and operational improvements.
At the same time, transparent recruitment could help strengthen public confidence. Clear disclosure of hiring procedures could address concerns surrounding the latest allegations.
The government and PTV management may therefore face pressure on two fronts. They must address financial losses while ensuring recruitment practices remain transparent.
The developments underline the challenges facing Pakistan’s state broadcaster. PTV’s future sustainability will depend on effective financial management and institutional accountability.
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