Radio Pakistan has always played and is still playing a very significant role both in peace and war times. Working round the clock, Radio Pakistan is not only a source of entertainment but has to play a very significant role in sharing breaking news and the latest developments taking place daily at home and pouring in from around the globe, creating political awareness among the masses, educating common man about his/her rights and duties, creating spirit of patriotism and sense of responsibility among younger generations, promoting cultural and Islamic values, introducing modern technology and equipment for boosting farming and agriculture production, covering sports events and countering anti-Pakistan propaganda campaign launched by the foreign electronic media with All India Radio in particular. Despite having been confronted with its strong counterpart in the neighborhood, Radio Pakistan which is nowadays being looked down upon as useless, outdated and considered as merely a financial burden on the national exchequer, has been brought to the brink of bankruptcy and collapse. So much so, it is not in a position to fulfil its obligation of crediting monthly salary and pension on time to its serving and retired employees. The latest financial crisis is the worst ever witnessed in the history of Radio Pakistan. Those who are aware of it’s diplomatic importance believe that Radio Pakistan is the tongue and ear of the state. It would be the most unfortunate day for the country if it’s voice doesn’t go on air. It would be presumed as if, God forbid, the state has gone deaf and dumb. In case of its downfall, closure or ignorance from or denial of it’s importance would create diplomatically a bad impression and convey a wrong signal to the rest of the world.
It would not be out of place to mention here that there are several other organizations/institutions which aren’t self earning, yet the government has to keep them, patronize them and financially afford them because their existence is necessary for the sake of security and maintenance of law and order. Radio Pakistan is one of these essential services.
Therefore, the existence of Radio Pakistan shouldn’t be construed as a financial burden rather it has to be made financially self sufficient and strong so that it’s performance could be brought at par with AIR, BBC, VOA, VOG.etc.(Rehman Gul Radio news)
