THE rise in recent years of independent content creators highlights a stark reality; the era of massive, state-funded media complexes is officially over. Today, dynamic news and entertainment components are mostly produced in compact digital studios, leaving Pakistan’s sprawling state-run television and radio stations look like expensive relics of a bygone age.

Maintaining these massive, outdated state infrastructure assets represents a severe drain on public funds at a time when the national treasury desperately needs relief. By privatising or selling off these prime real estate locations, the government can instantly eliminate heavy maintenance overhead and can generate immediate and substantial revenue.

Transitioning from asset-heavy legacy media to a lean, digital-first approach is no longer just an option — it is an economic necessity. The government must consider liquidating these underutilised properties and redirect the capital towards moder- nising our national digital infrastructure.

Arshad Kamal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2026