Islamabad, Aug 28 - The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and the US government signed on Wednesday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to digitise the 66-year-old audio archive of Radio Pakistan.

The MoU was signed by the Director General Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, Samina Pervez, the US Embassy Councilor for Public Affairs, Peter Brennan, and Country Representative Internews, Charmaine Anderson.

Speaking on the occasion Peter Brennan said that digitisation would help preserve Radio Pakistan's archive for the next generation of Pakistanis. “This would provide an opportunity for researchers and enthusiasts to know more about their leadership.”

Furthermore, he stated that only a few countries of the world have all the audio records of their history and Pakistan will soon be one of these countries. He said that the United States was pleased to support Pakistan in its quest for audio digitisation of its archives, adding that it will become a "national treasure."

On the occasion, DG Radio Pakistan Samina Pervez thanked the people and the government of the US for providing monetary support for this project of national significance and said that it will preserve the precious archives of PBC, adding to Pakistan's national history and heritage.

The project is mooted to initially digitise the first 3500 hours of audio recordings of the Radio Pakistan archives that include a number of historically significant voices and important events relating to the national history of Pakistan.

Initial estimates suggest that the project will cost US$ 0.5 million, which is to be provided by the US while manpower and experts in the field will be arranged by PBC.