ISLAMABAD – ATV remained a familiar name in Pakistani homes, tracing its roots back to the People’s Television Network of 90s, but the iconic TV is set to shutdown on court orders.
From PTN to STN, then Channel-3, and finally ATV, the channel witnessed evolution of ATV in the country. But now, Islamabad High Court ordered the liquidation of SRBC, the government-owned operator behind ATV, setting closure of the channel and leaving hundreds of media workers facing the uncertainty of imminent job loss.
As the countdown to 30 November begins, employees scramble to hand over files, documents, and equipment, marking the end of an era in Pakistan’s broadcasting history.
The Broadcasting Company officially announced that all employees will lose their jobs as part of a court-mandated liquidation process ordered by the Islamabad High Court.
According to a formal office order issued, all staffers including permanent, contractual, deputed, temporary, daily-wage workers, broadcast resource persons, those holding officiating or additional charges, and even employees currently on leave, must be released by the close of business on 30 November 2025.
The order demands that all outgoing employees submit a detailed report of their work status and completed tasks, and hand over all official files, documents, passwords, equipment, media storage devices, and other operational resources by 28 November. To ensure smooth transitions, specific focal persons have been assigned in administration, finance, engineering, technical, and station management departments to manage the handover process.
Additionally, employees are required to submit clearance confirmations, bank details, CNIC copies, and updated contact information to the Administration Office.
Financial dues will be calculated under SRBC service rules and relevant laws. However, payments will be subject to the availability of liquidation funds and will follow the priority schedule approved by the Islamabad High Court.
The notice makes it clear that this mass termination is strictly a result of the court-ordered liquidation and does not constitute disciplinary action against any employee.
ATV has storied history spanning more than 3 decades. It started in 90s as first semi-government TV channel and the nation’s second-ever television channel. Later, it was renamed Shalimar TV Network (STN). After coming under the PTV Network, it was relaunched as Channel-3 in 1999, expanding into satellite broadcasting.
This announcement marks the end of an era for one of Pakistan’s pioneering television networks and leaves hundreds of media professionals facing imminent unemployment.
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