PTV Anchors' and Reporters' Foreign Travel Expenses Declared a National Security Matter
Sajid Ali | Published September 09, 2026 | 01:09 PM
The Pakistan Television (PTV) administration has refused to disclose details of foreign travel expenses incurred by anchors, reporters, and heads of the news department, citing national security concerns. In response to a request by journalist Sadia Mazhar, PTV stated that these records are confidential and their disclosure might reveal sensitive information related to security matters.
Mazhar had filed an official request under the Right of Access to Information law, seeking complete details of reporters and heads who traveled abroad, along with the public funds utilized for their trips.
The PTV administration explained that Mazhar's appeal sought information about all officials who traveled overseas from January 2025 to date, either for covering or participating in events at public, government, or PTV expense. They highlighted that PTV officers and officials are regularly sent abroad for official duties, including prime minister's visits, high-level government engagements, international conferences, and other important meetings.
According to PTV, details related to these assignments, such as the names of officers, team composition, responsibilities, and expenses, are part of their official records. The administration argued that disclosing this information could impact security concerns, administrative arrangements, and operational aspects of high-level government engagements.
They further stated that such details are generally not shared with third parties unless formally authorized by competent authorities and permitted under relevant laws and regulations. PTV requested the governing body to accept their submission and grant an exemption under Section 16(d)(ii & iii) of the Right of Access to Information Act.
Sadia Mazhar raised concerns about the PTV administration's stance and the expenditure of public funds, claiming that when citizens or journalists seek information, it is labeled as a threat to national security.