Digitizing broadcast: Chinese companies to help PTV achieve target by 2015
PESHAWAR: Chinese companies will help Pakistan Television Corporation to achieve the target of digitising of its telecast system by 2015, which is obligations of the international telecom body, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Thaimoor Azmat informed the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday.
Giving details, he said PTV Administration contacted some Chinese companies for financial help after Planning and Development Division had declined to approve PC-1 of the project, which had estimated cost of Rs 2.5 billion.
He said few Chinese companies suggested if they would apply for Chinese grant or aid for up-gradation of telecasting system, they needed to apply to Government of China.
In this respect, the Corporation wrote a letter to Economic Affairs Division (EAD).
He further said another Chinese company also contacted them and wanted to provide free of cost equipment.
They have been working on both options.
Member Committee Noor Alam Khan alleged that corruption was involved in the deal and an inquiry must be held.
The PAC will decide today (Thursday) either an inquiry should be initiated against the Board of Directors of PTV for waving off bank guarantee of Rs 111 million.
The committee was informed that PTV (HQ) appointed Inter Construct (Pvt) Limited, Peshawar as an agent for TV license fee collection vide agreement on September 13, 2000.
The representatives of the contractor issued a number of fake licenses by amending the date before issuance to customers during the year 2001-02.
Against the malpractice, PTV (HQ) lodged claim of Rs 4.136 million against the agent but no amount was released.
On the other hand, PTV Board of Directors in its meeting held on July 15, 2011 resolved that bank guarantees of Inter Construct Limited may be released.
The Board pursued the award given by Arbitration in this case where neither party’s claim has been accepted by the Arbitrator with a decision that the guarantees to be returned should be followed.
The committee was further informed that Rs 260 million outstanding dues are against the management of Shalimar Recording and Broadcast Company.
The matter has been pending in the Supreme Court.
The committee’s meeting was chaired by Nadeem Afzal Gondal, in which the audit report of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for the year 2004-07 was discussed.
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