NEW PAK CHANNEL FROM APRIL 15

This was disclosed by Mr Haroon Leghari, (CEO) of the new network at a press conference on March 7. To begin with, it will have a daily transmision from 6 pm to midnight, and be extended by two hours every six months.

Its programme content will be distinctively global in approach and remarkably Pakistani in appeal. Joint ventures (co-productions) between Pakistan and India will also be encouraged, but they must reflect the culture and values of the region, of Pakistan in particular. “Programmes of anti-Islamic nature or vulgar gestures will not be telecast on this family channel,” said Mr Leghari. ITV’s mission is to make the region’s classical music globally accessible. Likewise, in the West-dominated cinema market, Asian cinema - which accounts for some of the most outstanding oeuvres in various film genres - will be given its due place under the sun. Like Pakistani feature films, movies with a Muslim social background from India will also be telecast on ITV. Artistes and technicians from both countries will be invited to Singapore for joint productions - musical programmes, plays, talk shows, stage shows and other programmes. Leghari said the channel had no affiliation or support from any political or religious party or organisation. Popular showbiz personalities, Agha Nasir, the brain behind PTV and STN, and Rahat Kazmi, have joined hands with Leghari as the consultant and programme manager, respectively, of the new channel.

To celebrate ITV’s formal launch, Leghari and his team had arranged a cultural show ‘Spring is in the air’ on March 6, 1998 at Frere Hall, Karachi followed by a grand dinner. The creme-de-la-creme from showbix and media attended the show which included a fashion parade and musical programmes by prominent singers like Hadiqa Kiyani, Ali Haider and Salman Janoon.