The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government plans to establish five more FM radio stations and improve the reach of 10 existing stations. Officials were also directed to prepare a legal framework and launch a website and mobile app for the network.
PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to expand its FM radio network, with plans to establish five additional stations and improve the reach of existing services across the province.
The decision came during a meeting on FM radio stations operating under the Information and Public Relations Department. The meeting was chaired by Special Assistant to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan, while Secretary Information Matiullah Khan and other relevant officials were also present.
During the session, Shafi Jan was given a detailed briefing on the establishment, objectives and performance of Pakhtunkhwa Radio stations. Officials also informed the meeting about the network’s role in promoting the national narrative and publicising initiatives of the provincial government.
Expansion and legal framework
At the meeting, the special assistant directed officials to prepare a comprehensive legal framework for radio transmission in the province. He also stressed the need to broaden Pakhtunkhwa Radio transmission so that coverage could be extended throughout Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
In line with that objective, Shafi Jan instructed the authorities to set up five more FM radio stations to increase the network’s coverage area. He also asked officials to take practical measures to strengthen the transmission range of the 10 stations that are already operational.
The meeting reviewed the current performance of the radio network and discussed steps aimed at improving its technical and institutional capacity. The briefing focused on how the stations have been functioning and how they can be used more effectively for public communication.
Technical upgrades planned
Shafi Jan also directed the installation of a modern and high-quality transmitter in Peshawar. In addition, he instructed officials to ensure the early launch of a dedicated website and mobile application for the radio network.
The proposed expansion and technical upgrades are intended to improve the reach of Pakhtunkhwa Radio and support wider dissemination of official information across the province.
The meeting was part of the provincial government’s review of media and public outreach mechanisms under the Information and Public Relations Department. Officials briefed the special assistant on the existing setup and future requirements of the radio stations, after which directions were issued for legal, technical and operational improvements.
According to the briefing presented at the meeting, Pakhtunkhwa Radio stations are already playing a role in promoting the national narrative and in communicating the provincial government’s initiatives. The latest directives seek to build on that role by expanding transmission, improving infrastructure and introducing digital platforms for listeners.
