The government under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has allocated a staggering amount of funds for media advertisements, a move that has drawn significant attention, especially considering the country's ongoing economic crisis.
During a recent session of the senate standing committee on information, the secretary of information provided an overview of the expenditures incurred by the 13-party coalition over their 16-month tenure.
Shocking revelations emerged during the briefing, with a staggering Rs 10 billion being disclosed as the total expenditure on media advertisements during the PDM coalition's time in power. Out of this substantial sum, the secretary specified that approximately Rs 9.60 billion was directed towards various advertising endeavors.
Breaking down the numbers further, it came to light that the previous government had allocated Rs 3.50 billion for print media advertisements, a considerable sum in its own right. In addition, a substantial Rs 4.79 billion had been channeled into electronic media advertisements, highlighting the government's intent to maintain a significant media presence. To complete the picture, Rs 1.23 billion had been allocated for digital media advertisements, emphasizing the diverse range of media platforms engaged by the government.
The senate committee's decision to summon details of advertisement rates across all channels underscores the need for transparency and accountability in government spending, particularly in the context of a challenging economic situation. These revelations raise questions about the priorities and financial decisions made by the PDM government during their tenure in office, sparking a broader conversation about responsible governance and the allocation of public resources