ISLAMABAD – ATV, once celebrated as Pakistan’s pioneering public-private television venture, officially went off air, bringing end to a broadcasting journey that touched millions of homes across Pakistan.
For more than two decades under the ATV brand, and with roots stretching back to Pakistan’s early private broadcasting experiments, the network remained a household name. Its dramas, music shows, morning programs, children’s content, and live entertainment broadcasts helped shape television culture for an entire generation.
There was a time when ATV used to broadcast popular programs such as Khawaja Online, Boom on Live, and A Morning with Farah. Those shows, along with many memorable dramas, are still part of our childhood memories. ATV once had a golden era and played an important role in https://t.co/bqOduS5UHG
— butt (@abdual61) June 20, 2026
At a time when cable television was still expanding, ATV’s terrestrial transmission allowed it to reach remote towns and rural communities where other entertainment channels struggled to penetrate. For many Pakistanis, ATV was not just another channel; it was a daily companion.
The story began in 90s with launch of People’s Television Network (PTN), Pakistan’s first semi-government television station. It later became Shalimar Television Network (STN), then Channel 3, before being rebranded as ATV in 2005 under a landmark partnership between the Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC) and private-sector operators.
The model was hailed as revolutionary, combining state-owned infrastructure with private-sector innovation. For years, it appeared to be a success story. But behind the scenes, financial pressures continued to mount.
The shutdown did not happen overnight. Court-supervised liquidation proceedings had been underway for months, and employees were issued termination notices as the organization struggled to stay afloat. Revival plans, including proposals for a fresh public-private partnership, ultimately failed to save the broadcaster.
Employee representatives have alleged years of mismanagement, delayed salaries, and growing debt. Reports claim that hundreds of workers were left waiting for salaries and benefits, while outstanding employee dues reached billions of rupees.
What viewers witnessed as simple channel shutdown is, but employees, it is no less than a devastating personal and professional tragedy. Behind the black screen are journalists, producers, engineers, camera operators, editors, technicians, and support staff whose careers have been abruptly cut short after years of service.
Throughout its years, ATV continued to broadcast acquired dramas and entertainment content, including popular shows such as Khawaja Online, Shehr-e-Zaat, Tu Zindagi Hai, Gohar-e-Nayab and Tum Bin.
These productions helped the channel maintain its presence despite increasing competition from larger networks and digital platforms.
