Senator Sehar Kamran Questions Hiring Practices and Financial Management at PTV  

Islamabad: Senator Sehar Kamran, Member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, has raised serious concerns about the financial management and hiring practices at Pakistan Television (PTV) and its affiliate, A-TV Channel. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Senator Kamran highlighted critical issues regarding outstanding dues, overstaffing, and the recruitment of non-traditional media personnel.  

She pointed out that 70% of the shares of A-TV Channel and SRBC (Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company) are held by PTV News, yet financial constraints have delayed the payment of outstanding dues to A-TV employees. “When we learn that 70% of the shares of A-TV Channel & SRBC are held by @PTVNewsOfficial, yet financial constraints hinder the payment of outstanding dues for ATV employees, serious questions arise,” Senator Kamran wrote.  

Senator Kamran criticized the hiring practices at PTV, noting that the state broadcaster has been grappling with financial struggles and issues of overstaffing. She expressed particular concern over the recruitment of YouTubers, questioning its rationale and demanding proper justification.  

“The subcommittee on Information & Broadcasting has been informed that PTV is struggling to manage its finances and is grappling with issues of overstaffing,” she said. “This raises concerns about the rationale behind new hiring practices and the criteria being utilized. While hiring established anchors can be beneficial, the recruitment of YouTubers warrants scrutiny and requires proper justification.”  

Senator Kamran’s remarks have sparked a broader discussion about the management of public resources at PTV and the criteria for hiring personnel in state media. Her criticism underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of taxpayer funds and the strategic direction of state-run broadcasters.  

The issues raised by Senator Kamran reflect the growing demand for reforms in Pakistan’s public broadcasting sector to ensure financial sustainability and adherence to merit-based recruitment practices.