ISLAMABAD, April 15: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Tuesday announced 100 per cent increase in fee of PTV artistes with immediate effect.

The minister made this announcement at the inauguration of PTV’s general managers conference at the PTV headquarters here.

The minister was also briefed on the PTV’s overall performance by the Managing Director PTV Akhtar Waqar Azeem.

He expressed the hope that the PTV would make all-out efforts to improve its programmes to meet the challenges of the new world information order.

He stressed the need to induct “fresh blood” in programmes and informed that a number of new TV channels would be launched soon.

He said that steps were being taken to effectively counter the baseless propaganda campaign by the inimical forces and this could be achieved by enhancing the quality of the programmes.

The minister pointed out that the Pakistan Television should also cater to overseas Pakistanis’ needs.

Appreciating news and current affairs programmes, he said that Pashto language news bulletin should also be introduced on PTV World.

Highlighting the need for networking he said the PTV should exchange programmes with other TV networks in the region.

Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood briefed the minister about the PTV board’s decisions which included approval for the induction of professionals, and rationalizing of wages.

The meeting was told that four booster stations each at Dir, Malgara,Kohistan and Bajur Agency (all in the NWFP) were being installed to cover 80 per cent of the province.

The minister suggested that the special grant of Rs400 million recently announced by the prime minister be utilized to acquire modern equipment.

The minister felicitated Akhtar Waqar Azeem on his appointment as managing director PTV.—APP