PTV World renamed Pakistan TV in major media relaunch

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday formally launched the revamped state-run English-language channel Pakistan TV, previously known as PTV World, signaling Pakistan’s renewed effort to project its voice to global audiences. With a symbolic button-press, the Prime Minister declared the channel live, both in its traditional format and as a new digital platform.

The relaunch comes after eight months of planning, delays, and debates over the channel’s editorial direction. Officials say the initiative aims to counter misinformation campaigns, particularly from Indian media, and to project Pakistan’s narrative more effectively on international platforms.

Originally launched in 2011–2012, PTV World struggled for years with poor management, limited resources, and financial setbacks. Its revival under the new name Pakistan TV is being positioned as a turning point, carrying the tagline “Pakistan speaks to the world.”

Prominent broadcast journalist Adil Shahzeb has been appointed to lead the channel, which will focus on news, current affairs, and programming designed to showcase Pakistan’s political, cultural, and economic perspectives to global viewers.

The development follows a broader trend of renewed interest in English-language broadcasting in Pakistan. Just last year, AsiaOne News entered the market, while the Express Media Group is preparing its third English-language venture despite two earlier closures (Express 24/7 and Tribune 24/7). Other attempts, such as Geo English and the original DawnNews English, were unable to sustain viewership against the overwhelming popularity of Urdu-language broadcasters.

Analysts say Pakistan TV’s relaunch reflects Islamabad’s recognition of the growing importance of international media diplomacy at a time of regional tensions and global information warfare.