The National Assembly panel gave approval to two proposals submitted by the PBC to overcome corporation financial worries. The first proposal was for the collection of revenue from cellular users and the second one from the purchasers of new cars.
The meeting which was presided over by MNA Belum Hasnain was informed by Director General Radio Murtaza Solangi that they have forwarded a road map to the ministry of information as well as to the finance ministry to steer the PBC out of the financial crunch.
“We are facing a financial crunch and could not survive without generation of new revenue for the state-run radio,” said Solangi.
The meeting, in consultation with other members, supported the idea to collect 2% revenue on very recharge from cellular users which would be enable Radio Pakistan to collect Rs4 billion per annum.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Shakeel Awan, however, raised objections to the idea, saying that already 26% is being deducted from every mobile recharge of Rs100. “Already financially crushed masses should be given a relief rather than to push them into a blind alley.”
PML-N’s Nuzhat Sadiq also objected to the idea and urged the government to find a parallel and viable option to raise a structure and to revise the policies of Radio Pakistan for introducing a new economic policy.
The committee also discussed another idea to generate revenue for the PBC by collecting a one-time fee on the purchase of new vehicles. Members of the National Assembly panel contended that the person who can afford a vehicle of Rs2.5 million can also contribute some money for the revival of the national institution.
Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan assured the committee that the democratic government will not burden the poor masses by any means. She said that the government has presented a comprehensive package to resolve the problems faced by the PBC including the recommendations which have been put before the committee for further and guidance and support.
“Finance ministry has agreed to support these recommendations in the next finance bill,” Awan informed the committee.
Chairperson of the committee Hasnain added that a majority of Pakistani people were in the habit of using mobile phones especially in the night. “So, it will be good idea to collect money from such cellular users,” she observed.
Correction: Due to an editing error, the word 'steer' was earlier misspelled as 'stair'. The error is regretted.
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COMMENTS (17)
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Another Govt way to rob .what a shame .shame for government,not control her most expenses in her Government houses ,
I will not pay.. We must rebel !! This is regressive taxation..
@A R Khan Yusufzai:
PTV and Radio Pakistan have always been used by whatever political party that happens to be in power as party propoganda tools to enhance their agenda's. Therefore, it would be only right to make the political party in power to pay for the PBC's cost overruns and inefficiency mostly due to their meddling from programming to staff recruitment!... Why should ordinary citizens pay for party political broadcasting of which ever govenrnment that may be in power????...
It is kind of unfair for the guy who does not use radio via his cellphone, I mean a labor who uses a simple mobile phone and does not listens to the radio, why should he pay this tax if he is not using this facility. Won't it be unfair for him??
The simple solution for this is to charge tax on each purchasing of mobile phone containing radio.
i hate to break it you guys but Radio Pakistan is the most listened to radio channel in Pakistan. It has the most coverage, in the most areas, and caters to most of the population. Its disgusting to see such disregard for a very important institution in Pakistan
Simply shut Radio Pakistan! I have not tuned to radio in ages and could not find one in my home. Another money loosing govt corporation.
Sooner they're gonna impose Tax on breathing.
Correction Para 3 last line: "...steer the PBC from financial crunch".
Im really anxious to know what Radio Pakistan currently does with its revenues. Does it have any plans to improve programming? Because apparently, a lot of people at RP are kids of old RP staff. Get rid of entitlement, make room for merit. we dont pay taxes to feed people who dont work. we are already paying enough to the govt. there should be a legal way to de-elect a representative too.
What is PBC's co-relation with cellular phone users albeit night time users and new car buyers?
This well-to-do segment can also build schools and hospitals.
PBC should not look for easy and comfortable crutches rather compete in the market with print, televison and Internet media.
Why this Kolaveri Di?
Is it a government or a leech?
what ? are u kidding me ! Another Govt way to rob .what a shame .
These honorable MNA's drawing million's of Rupees from the national exchequer should be made to pay for this. They get thousands of Rupees in medical reimbursements, thousands of Rupees in house rent, thousands of Rupees in entertainment allowances and a long list. Why burden the common man? Already we are paying Rs 50 in Wapda bills in the form of TV fees (which is being charged from Mosques, Schools etc.) 26% is already being deducted from every mobile recharge of Rs100. Will this end any where? For the information of readers a recharge of Rs. 60/- gives you Rs. 50 balance.
For God sake we are all ready huge paying tax on every item