KARACHI: One cannot stop the world from digitization. We can either be a part of such a world or get left behind. Recently, PTV had imported content like Ertugrul, a Turkish play that fictionalizes the son of Sulayman Shah (although there are disputes among historians whether it was Ertugrul) and the father of Osman I, the Sultan who started the Ottoman empire and dynasty. The series airing in Pakistan opened doors for Pakistan and Turkey to collaborate in the field of film and historical drama series. However, newer changes are in order as Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, in a recent Twitter thread, announces more to come to both PTV, and the entire media industry altogether.
“The rectification process that began during my ministry of information in 2018 will once again be picked up from where it was left off,” Chaudhry Fawad Hussain stated on his Twitter handle. “PTV News is soon to be broadcasted in HD, something that had been planned in 2019, but the new deadline for the program will be June 1st, 2021, after which PTV News will be HD. This very year, we plan on having PTV Sports in HD too.”
Chaudhry Fawad does not stop at just fixing PTV and expands on his promises regarding the electronic media of Pakistan and the people working in the department.
He also added that a new English channel will soon be in the works. Studios in Karachi and Lahore will be renovated in PPP mode and APP (Associated Press of Pakistan) will be digitized. Work is being done to make PID (Press Information Department) and advertising paperless. “The external wing will entirely be revamped,” he added.
The Minister also promised betterment in the field of film and drama. “Revival of film and drama is first priority. Production of biographies on the lives of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Tipu Sultan is just starting. Under the Kamyab Jawan project, filmmakers will be given out loans as high as 5 crores PKR.”
“Journalists associated with television and print media will be facilitated with housing and health cards. We will ensure the laws urge timely salary payments and insurance policies will be introduced. My policies will also ensure the Press Club is facilitated. We will fully support digital media,” promised the Minister.
