LAHORE – Radio Pakistan launched transmission of its English channel Planet FM 94 from Lahore on Saturday.
The channel is the second radio station of FM 94 series of Radio Pakistan; the first one is radiating at Islamabad since 2009. The primary concept of Planet FM 94 is to promote music and talent, and provide a platform to the youth for raising their voice.
In this connection, a splendid launching ceremony was held at the Radio Pakistan Lahore on Saturday, with Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Syed Samsam Ali Bokhari in the chair.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Zaka Ashraf and US Lahore Consul General Nina Maria Fite were the chief guests. Radio Pakistan Director General Murtaza Solungi also graced the occasion.
Later, a musical concert was also held in which singers and artistes including Arieb Azhar, Sain Zahoor and Pappu Saaein performed. Radio Pakistan’s FM 101 Network, FM 93 Network and Planet 94 Islamabad and Lahore broadcast the proceedings live.
Speaking on the occasion, Samsam said there was a need to promote the softer image of Pakistan and the new English FM channel would greatly help in this regard. He hoped that the channel would present the true picture of Pakistan. “Pakistanis are a peaceful nation and we respect other’s values,” he maintained.
The state minister said Pakistanis did not believe in terrorism, though the international media presented their negative picture. “We want to make Pakistan a country that represents the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” he added.
Samsam said Pakistanis had rendered numerous sacrifices in the war against terrorism and these should be recognised. “Pakistanis and Americans are friends, but their perceptions of each other are being presented differently.” He said we need to work together for promotion of peace in the world.
The state minister hoped that the youth would present a better image of the country internationally. He said promotion of peaceful co-existence was a mission of Sufis and launching of this channel would be a step in this direction. Samsam said we would use the media, music, entertainment and mystic programmes at dargahs of Sufi saints for the promotion of better image of the country.
Addressing on this occasion, the US Consul General in Lahore, Nina Maria Fite, congratulated the entire staff of the Radio Pakistan on launching an all English FM channel from Lahore.
She said this channel would play a leading role in promoting English language as well as provide an ample opportunity to the youth of the country to raise their voice and contribute positively to the country’s development.
Answering a question, Samsam said the party leadership would decide about the appearance of Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf before the Supreme Court in the contempt of court case.