PTV to telecast NA proceedings

State-run TV to cover speeches of opposition members also

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has directed the state-run PTV to broadcast live proceedings of the National Assembly.

In a meeting on Monday, the new prime minister directed Marriyum Aurangzeb, the State Minister for Information, to broadcast live on PTV the National Assembly proceedings so that the nation could know the perspective of both the ruling and opposition parties on national issues.



An official privy to the development told The Express Tribune that from now onwards PTV will air the entire NA proceedings, also covering speeches by opposition leaders.

Opposition parties had been demanding of the federal government to allow coverage on PTV but the request was always turned down despite protests and walkout.

Media persons would not be allowed to record NA proceedings through their cell phones, said the official.

The official also said that as soon as the former prime minister was disqualified by the apex court, a change had been witnessed in the content of the state-run news channel.

“The day former prime minister was disqualified, PTV News aired live the press conference of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan where he strongly criticised the PML-N,” he said.



The official was of the view that the decision had been taken in order to clear “the misperception” about PTV being the mouth piece of the ruling party.

Earlier, PTV has covered the Lower House of Parliament on special occasions such as the president’s and PM’s address as well as budget sessions.

But most of the coverage was given to ruling party lawmakers. The day Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was elected Leader of the House, PTV abruptly cut short Sheikh Rashid’s speech on the floor.