HYDERABAD, Aug 2: Work on two more FM radio stations of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation has been completed and efforts are underway to complete the remaining nine within stipulated time, said director, engineering, PBC, Mukkaram Khan Niazi.

He told APP that the projects of Mithi and Bhit Shah FM radio stations had been completed by the PBC engineering wing and work on the remaining ones in Umerkot, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Jacobabad, Dadu, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar and Thatta would be completed within stipulated time.

About Bhit Shah FM radio station, he said that the PBC had undertaken the project on the directives of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who had announced establishment of a FM radio station in Bhit Shah at the concluding ceremony of last Urs of Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.

The radio station had been established with a three kilowatt transmitter at a cost of Rs3 million and the prime minister was expected to inaugurate the station, he said, adding that the station would be helpful in spreading the message of the Sugi poet about love, peace, affection and brotherhood.

About Mithi radio station, Mr Niazi said that it had three kilowatt transmitter and had been established at a cost of Rs3.2 million. At present, he added, the station had been established in a rental building but after completion of a PBC building, it would be transferred there. He said that the station’s broadcasts would be heard in 50-kilometer radius and provide entertainment to the listeners.

The official said that besides Sindh, the PBC had also been engaged in establishing FM radio stations in Gawadar, Mianwali, Sargodha, Bannu and Kohat and added that the Gawadar station was ready for inauguration.

He said that the PBC had decided to install 1000 kilowatt medium wave transmitters in Umerkot and Lahore to extend the range of its broadcasts to about 500 kilometres radius. The project to cost Rs1,200 million was discussed in the Central Working Party and referred to the ECNEC for final approval, he added.

Mr Niazi said that the engineering wing of the PBC had manufactured some transmitters in its own factory.