The Senate committee on information and broadcasting subcommittee, led by Senator Irfan Ul Haq Siddiqi emphasized the importance of addressing issues faced by employees, pensioners in payment of their due medical bills, and extended its full support to resolve them. The DG radio informed the committee that the total expenses of the department are 6.5 billion per annum, whereas they are able to generate only 4.5 billion, which does not meet the requirements of the employees. Senator Irfan Siddiqui said that “Radio Pakistan is our National Heritage and all possible steps will be taken to ensure its development and progress ”. Committee discussed various formulas for revenue generation and also directed the PBC to come up with Business and utilization plan in order to meet the future expenses of institutes. “We will reach out to the Prime Minister if need be for sustainability of our National asset in the form radio Pakistan ” irfan siddique reiterated. The Committee recommended charging radio fee amounting to 500 rupees from all vehicles excluding bikes at the time of registration to generate additional revenue for the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Projects & Development. The proposal is expected to generate an additional 15 Billion rupees per annum, as every year more than 30 ml vehicles are registered. Additionally, the committee directed to cease all sorts of activities regarding visitation of unwarranted personnels in the premises of Radio Pakistan. Further more it was also directed that any sort of activity regarding privatisation renting out or leasing out of the building may also be stopped with immediate effect. The subcommittee also sought a list of all the employees, including pensioners, and their financial issues to address them effectively. Additionally, the committee directed the restoration of Bukhari Auditorium back to its original state with immediate effect. The Senate committee's recommendations aim to support PBC's projects and development, ensure employee welfare, and ensure seamless operations to continue providing quality broadcasting services to the nation.
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