Parliamentarians want parliamentary TV channel, separate funds

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 June 2015

Senator Karim Ahmed Khawaja emphasizes the need for a dedicated parliamentary TV channel during budget discussions. He argues that separate funding is essential for improved governance.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: Parliamentarians Thursday urged the government to allocate separate funds for establishing a parliamentary television channel to cover proceedings of National Assembly, Senate and standing committees. Taking part in the budget debate, Senator Karim Ahmed Khawaja said that almost all democracies in the world have their separate parliamentary channels to cover the proceedings. “The government should allocate funds in the budget for a parliamentary channel to be set up as this would help improve governance and performance of public representatives,” he said. The senator said that Pakistan Television cannot afford to give live coverage to parliamentarians as it is a business-oriented channel. “The PTV has to cut its business to give live coverage to parliamentarians and this may not be a viable option for the government,” he said. Members of National Assembly have already asked the government to establish a parliamentary channel to cover proceedings of the House and standing committees to improve governance and performance of public representatives.

KEY POINTS:

• Parliamentarians demand funds for a parliamentary TV channel.
• Coverage of National Assembly and Senate proceedings is currently inadequate.
• Pakistan Television's business model limits its ability to provide live coverage.
• A dedicated channel could enhance governance and public representation.
• Internationally, most democracies have their own parliamentary channels.