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Pakistan govt to liberalise broadcasting policy
MUMBAI: In a bid to liberalise its broadcasting policy, the Pakistani government is not only allowing the formation of private radio and television stations, but may also grant permission to seven new TV stations .
Even though entrepreneurs hoping to run private TV channels have been promised licences in the coming months, it is not clear whether private companies intending to set up independent news channels will enjoy similar privileges, states a BBC report.
“The government’s media managers are seriously worried about the popularity of a couple of Pakistani satellite TV channels that are broadcasting news from Dubai and the UK, and are reluctant to given them uplinking facilities from within the country. But pressure is growing, and media experts say the competition coming from across the border in India may eventually compel the government to make the domestic electronic media completely free,” a correspondent is quoted as having said in the report.
In Pakistan where under one-fifth of homes have satellite TV access, the TV market is primarily dominated by state broadcaster Pakistan Television Corporation and comprises PTV1, PTV2 and a cable channel PTV World. Also, in addition to illegal cable companies there is a part state and part privately owned Shalimar Television Network (STN) available in select 12 cities with about 40 per cent national coverage and a pay cable service called Shaheen Pay TV (SPTV) owned by the Shaheen Foundation, the commercial arm of the Pakistan Air Force with around 10,000 subscribers.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
