A meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting was held in Islamabad today with Senator Sarmad Ali in the chair.

The meeting reviewed media policy, digital advertising, institutional reforms and the performance of Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar attended the meeting.

Briefing the committee, Attaullah Tarar said digital media in Pakistan has become a self-sustaining platform that does not require government financial support.

He said digital media cannot be promoted at the expense of print and electronic media. He said that the Advertisement Policy 2024 provides greater digital inclusion for newspapers through Google Analytics, web metrics, and a third-party evaluation system.

The Minister said the welfare of media employees remains the government's top priority. He said that an SOP with the Pakistan Broadcasters Association ensures to clear the outstanding salaries of the employees of media houses once government advertising dues are released.

Attaullah Tarar announced the formation of a PID sub-committee to examine issues facing regional newspapers. He said the Audit Bureau of Circulation and the Registrar Office would be merged as part of reforms to modernize and improve transparency in the circulation audit system.

The meeting also discussed measures to collect revenue from outsourcing various buildings of PTV and Radio Pakistan.

The committee also sought a report on steps being taken to resolve pension-related issues faced by retired employees of Radio Pakistan and APP.

On PTV, the Information Minister said the state broadcaster has become financially stable for the first time and remains the only television channel in Pakistan broadcasting the FIFA World Cup.

He said the PTV Board is fully empowered. He said the salaries and pensions were paid on time throughout the previous financial year, and production activities will resume this year.

Senator Sarmad Ali stressed that the importance of print media cannot be overlooked and called for measures to further strengthen the sector. He also highlighted the need to improve the national media list.