ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: The new AJK TV station, which will start functioning on Thursday, has been developed at a cost of Rs100 million to beat back what an official source said inimical propaganda against Pakistan and Kashmir.

Approved by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, the TV station will provide information, education and entertainment on the VHS band, which at present is not being covered by the signals of any PTV transmitter.

The source said the prime minister while approving the scheme had also directed the officials concerned that the project be funded by the AJK Council.

Out of the Rs100 million, a sum of Rs63 million has been locally contributed while Rs37 million is the foreign component.

The project will be completed in 2006; however, if adequate funds are not provided, the completion period could be extended, resulting in escalation in the cost.

On September 13, 2002, a meeting held in Mirpur had discussed the possibility of setting up of a TV station keeping in view the strong desire of the Kashmiri people and also the need for bringing the people of the area into the mainstream.

The AJK TV station would be established in the existing PBC broadcasting house in Mirpur and partly in a new building adjacent to the premises. The existing building would be used for administration and accounts section.

The source said AJK TV would be managed by the PBC Foundation with a board of management. The project includes a TV station and transmitting house comprising a production studio, news/continuity studio, engineering chains editing suit, 2KW VHF TV transmitter and a 32-panel antenna in addition to video cameras, video switcher, audio console, video monitors, VCR and test measuring equipment.

The building will also house transmitting hall, speech input room, and offices of engineers. There are also provisions for the construction of outhouses comprising reception office, roads and a diesel generator room.