Radio Pakistan’s Peshawar broadcasting center has been off-air for the past six days due to non-payment of electricity bills. The high-power transmitter located in Chugalpura was disconnected by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), effectively halting AM and shortwave radio broadcasts in the region.
According to official sources, the total outstanding amount stands at Rs 20 million (Rs 2 crore). PESCO confirmed that the disconnection was carried out after repeated payment reminders went unanswered by Radio Pakistan authorities.
This power cut has especially impacted people in rural and far-flung areas who depend on Radio Pakistan for news, education, and public service announcements. FM transmissions, if any, are also reported to be affected in surrounding districts.
A PESCO spokesperson stated that the transmitter will not be reconnected until full payment is made. The delay in payment has been attributed to budgetary issues and lack of coordination between the federal Ministry of Information and the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC).
Meanwhile, media unions and civil society organizations have criticized the government for its negligence. They argue that disrupting a public broadcaster over billing disputes reflects poorly on the state’s commitment to free access to information.
There has been no official statement from the Ministry of Information yet. Listeners, especially the elderly and those without internet, have appealed for urgent restoration of service.