# PTV Parliament

PTV Parliament is a state-owned television channel in Pakistan, operated under the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). Launched on May 30, 2018, the channel primarily focuses on providing live coverage, recorded sessions, and insightful analysis of the proceedings of Pakistan’s Parliament, including the National Assembly, Senate, and joint sessions of both houses. Its establishment reflects the government’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness of legislative affairs.

## Background
### History and launch

PTV Parliament was officially launched on 30 May 2018, during the tenure of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. PTV Parliament was established as part of the government's initiative to enhance public access to parliamentary proceedings. The channel was envisioned as a platform to bridge the gap between the legislative process and the citizens of Pakistan by offering real-time coverage of debates, discussions, and decision-making processes within the Parliament. It was inaugurated by then Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb and the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Ayaz Sadiq in a ceremony that emphasized the importance of transparency in democratic institutions.
The channel draws inspiration from similar parliamentary networks around the world, such as the United Kingdom’s BBC Parliament and the United States’ C-SPAN, serving as a dedicated broadcast medium for the legislative process.

## Programming

PTV Parliament focuses on parliamentary content to ensure that the general public remains informed about national legislative developments. Its core programming includes:
* Live Broadcasts: Coverage of parliamentary sessions, including debates, bill discussions, and voting processes.
* Parliamentary Highlights: Summarized updates and key moments from ongoing sessions for audiences who cannot watch live.
* Special Reports: Analysis of legislative measures, policies, and speeches delivered in Parliament.

## Public and Political Impact

The launch of PTV Parliament has been widely praised as a step towards transparency and strengthening Democratic values in Pakistan. By making parliamentary proceedings publicly available, the channel has empowered citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable and stay informed about national issues.
However, critics have occasionally raised concerns about the channel’s editorial independence, questioning whether it adequately reflects the diversity of opinions expressed in Parliament or if it favors the ruling party’s narrative. Nonetheless, it remains a significant initiative in promoting open governance in Pakistan.

## Headquarters and Ownership

PTV Parliament operates under the supervision of Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), a state-owned entity. Its headquarters are located in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, ensuring proximity to the Parliament House and other key Government institutions.

## Broadcasting

The channel broadcasts in both Urdu and English, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience, including non-native Urdu speakers and members of the international community interested in Pakistan’s legislative affairs.