ISLAMABAD: Another corruption story in Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) has merged. MD PTV is accused of appointing Amin Akhtar, the Chief Commercial Officer, who draws a hefty salary of Rs 15 lac per month based on a fake matric degree
According to the sources, All Pakistan PTV Employees wrote a letter to Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar, in which the irregularities and arbitrariness of PTV Managing Director (MD) Sayyed Mubashar Tauqir were mentioned.
According to the documents available with Daily Ausaf/ABN News, during the audit of PTVC for the years 2016-18 it was observed that Ameen Akhtar was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer on a contract basis at Central Sales Office, Karachi on consolidated emoluments of Rs 1,500,000 per month vide appointment letter dated 20/03/2018.
The letter written by All Pakistan PTV Employees stated that the BoD in its 184th meeting held on April 23, 2009, approved the procedure for the induction of fresh and experienced professionals in PTVC. As per Para 4, job applications for various categories shall be received regularly for which a database is being maintained. To further strengthen the data base advertisements will be placed on the PTVC website and newspapers periodically inviting applications but in the case of Ameen Akhtar’s appointment, it was done unlawfully.
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“Ameen Akhtar submitted his joining on 30/03/2018. The appointment was approved by the MD PTV on a note dated 07/03/2018. It was noticed that the aforementioned person had been in service with PTVC as National Sales Manager on contract w.e.f 01/08/2007. Akhtar then tendered his resignation w.e.f 08/09/17 and his services were again hired w.e.f 30/03/2018 on exorbitant remuneration of Rs 1,500,000 per month. He has been paid Rs 7,500,000 up to August 2018,” it added.
According to the available documents, the appointment is termed irregular on criteria approved by BoD for appointment of professionals were not followed as vacancy was not advertised, application of the official for appointment as Chief Commercial Officer was not on record, educational certificates were not on record, and as per Government instructions, no verification of educational certificates was made.
However, revenue from advertising decreased since his appointment till June 2018 as revealed from the comparison of the corresponding period. All Employees’ Unions sought action and justification over the appointment of the Chief Commercial Officer with an exorbitant salary against the prescribed procedure.
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Furthermore, it has been learned that PTV is facing an annual operating loss of Rs 8 billion, with an additional Rs 2 billion wasted on a cosmetic makeover. Apart from that, the state-owned broadcaster is sinking as the suspension of PTV Global’s services due to unpaid satellite fees has further exacerbated the situation. PTV employees have been facing issues regarding their salaries and retired employees have been denied their earned pensions, adding to the distress.
In another tale of corruption, 29 employees were hired in PTV News after the election in which GM PTV Chaudhry Saleem received Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh per employee. It should be remembered that Daily Ausaf brought the corruption story of Chaudhry Saleem who illegally released crores of rupees to 12 anchors in the election transmission. But no action has been taken against them yet.