By Azhar Masood
ISLAMABAD: Employees and pensioners of state-run Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) and Radio Pakistan are facing delays in receiving their salaries and pensions for July, reportedly due to a shortage of funds.
According to employees, the managements of both organisations have been unable to clear the outstanding payments because the Ministry of Finance has yet to release the required funds.
However, some serving PTV employees have alleged that financial mismanagement by senior officials has also contributed to the situation. They claimed that while ordinary employees are still waiting for their salaries, the managing director and directors received their payments on time.
Employees further alleged that significant funds were spent on arrangements related to press conferences of Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, including refreshments reportedly arranged from a leading Islamabad five star hotel. They also claimed that substantial expenditure was incurred on foreign visits by some senior officials.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and no immediate response from PTV management or the Ministry of Information was available.
Meanwhile, the Action Committee of Retired Employees is considering approaching the courts over the issue. The committee is seeking an inquiry into the alleged misuse of PTV funds and intends to request judicial intervention to protect the financial rights of employees and pensioners.
The affected employees and pensioners have urged the government to immediately release the necessary funds and ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions.
