PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has done well by visiting the damaged building of the country’s premier media institution – Radio Pakistan – in Peshawar to express solidarity with its employees at this difficult juncture. Speaking on the occasion, he said the attack on the building exposed the barbaric mindset of the attackers who had no regard for national heritage. He also gave directions for immediate start of the work for restoration of the damaged building and payment of salaries and pensions for April and May within 48 hours.
Both the public and the private properties were widely damaged by miscreants on May 09 but apart from the military installations and buildings, Radio Pakistan was, perhaps, the only national symbol that was so revengefully targeted by anti-state elements for its unmatched contribution to national unity and solidarity. The attack also highlighted the fact that Radio Pakistan remains one of the prime targets not just for the enemies of the country on the external front but also for those who undermine national cohesion and strength. This is mainly because Radio Pakistan remained always in the forefront of the crusade to defend the ideological frontiers of the country by projecting in true perspective the core interests of the state and policies and programmes of the government for welfare of the people and advancement of the country. The ruining of the building of Radio Pakistan Peshawar evoked widespread condemnation of the nation as it had historical significance – announcement of independence of Pakistan was made simultaneously from Peshawar and Lahore Radio Stations of the then Pakistan Broadcasting Service. The Government deserves credit for prioritizing rehabilitation of the building but there was irreparable damage to the archives of the institution which could have been preserved had Radio Pakistan not remained a neglected entity by the decision-makers. The very fact that each time it requires intervention of Wafaqi Mohtasib, Chairman Special Committee on Affected Employees and even by the Prime Minister for payment of salaries and pensions, is reflective of the deep financial malaise afflicting the national institution that requires special and urgent attention of the authorities concerned.
