ISLAMABAD – The chairman of state-run Pakistan Television, Attaul Haq Qasmi tendered his resignation on Wednesday apparently due to differences with high officials of Information ministry headed by Marriyum Aurangzaib.
In his resignation forwarded to the secretary information, Qasmi stated that the current circumstances in the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage had become increasingly difficult for him to revive the past glory of the state broadcaster.
Meanwhile, sources privy to the developments revealed that the professor-turned-columnist was annoyed over the recent reshuffle in the top brass of state broadcaster which prompted him to serve a one-month resignation notice.
Recently, the Ministry of Information did not take Qasmi into confidence over handing over additional charge of MD PTV to Secretary Information Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera, said the sources.
According to a revised notification issued by the government on Tuesday, Sukhera was handed over the charge for an indefinite period of time.
Moreover, it was also disclosed that the veteran writer was also annoyed over Sukhera’s action against several officers of PTV who were considered close to him, The Nation reported.
The renowned poet, who previously served as the ambassador to Norway and Thailand, was appointed as the chairman of PTV in December 2015 at a time when he was serving the Lahore Arts Council as its chairman.
Let it be known that during the 40th session of National Assembly, in March 2017, the Information Minister had disclosed before the lower chamber of the parliament that Attaul Haq Qasmi was appointed at a consolidated salary package of Rs. 15,00.000/- (net of taxes) per month.
Attaul Haq Qasmi has been working for the PTV for 35 years as a playwright. His classical dramas include Khawaja and Sons, Shab Daig and Sheeda Tali.
