PTV to launch sports channel: Firdous Awan

The minister says PTV is being digitalised to be at par with other private channels.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan informed the National Assembly on Friday that Pakistan Television (PTV) is launching a sports channel by December to promote sports activities in the country.

Awan said that the channel is being launched on the directive of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.

Replying to various questions raised by parliamentarians during Question Hour, the minister said that a PTV sports channel is imperative. She also said that PTV revenues would increase by telecasting events like the cricket World Cup, hockey and football.

Awan said that PTV is being digitalised with latest technology and will compete with other private channels. The process of digitalisation will be completed by December 2012, she said.

She said that PTV Global is also being overhauled in order to project the “true image of the country” internationally. The entertainment component of PTV Global will be enhanced to provide more recreation to its viewers , she added.

Firdous Awan said PTV is effectively safeguarding ideological and geographical boarders of the country and that efforts are underway to make it a “mouth piece of people's aspirations”.