LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday ordered the federal government to appoint a regular managing director (MD) for Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV).

Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh issued the order on a petition filed by Syed Amjad Ali Shah, a retired senior news editor, challenging the government failure to appoint a regular MD at the national television.

The petitioner’s counsel stated that there had been no regular MD at the PTV since 2021.

He said the government initially assigned the additional charge to the additional secretary for information and since then, more than four officials had been appointed on an interim basis.

He alleged that interference from the ministry of information had severely impacted PTV’s financial affairs, causing delays in salary and pension payments for employees and retirees.

He said the high officials at the ministry and the television corporation did not want a regular MD as they had been enjoying benefits including perks and making appointments of their choice.

He asked the court to direct the government to immediately commence the process for the appointment of a permanent MD strictly in accordance with law.

A government’s law officer questioned the maintainability of the petition.

However, the judge rejected the plea and directed the federal government to appoint a regular MD at the PTV in accordance with law.

The judge also disposed of the petition.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2025