The government has outlined plans to fully digitise its state-run broadcasting infrastructure and establish new institutions aimed at strengthening national branding and the creative industries under its development agenda for FY2026-27, although the document released alongside the budget provides limited details on implementation timelines, funding requirements and execution mechanisms.

According to the Annual Plan 2026-27, the government intends to convert the entire analogue terrestrial broadcasting system of Pakistan Television (PTV) and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) into a digital network during the upcoming fiscal year. The proposal follows partial digitisation work carried out in FY2025-26, under which three PTV stations and several PBC transmission facilities were upgraded.

However, the plan does not specify how the remaining stations will be digitised within the stated timeframe, nor does it provide details on technical partnerships, procurement processes or budgetary allocations required for a nationwide transition.

The FY2026-27 framework also proposes the establishment of a National Centre for Brands Development (NCBD), intended to serve as a platform for strengthening Pakistan’s national and international image, particularly in support of export-oriented growth.

No detailed structure, funding plan or operational roadmap for the proposed centre has been outlined in the available documents.

In addition, the government has announced plans to develop a Creative and Culture Industry strategy aimed at promoting Pakistan’s cultural and digital content sectors internationally. The initiative is intended to support cultural diplomacy and expand the country’s global media presence. However, the policy document does not provide specifics on regulatory support, financing mechanisms or institutional arrangements for the proposed sector.

During FY2025-26, limited progress was reported in the digitisation of broadcasting infrastructure, with three PTV stations and selected transmission centres of PBC upgraded to digital systems. Large parts of the network, however, continue to operate on analogue systems.

Broadcasting infrastructure in Pakistan has long been characterised by gradual upgrades rather than full system-wide modernisation, with periodic digitisation efforts often progressing in phases.

The latest plan places digitisation of the remaining PTV and PBC stations among the key targets for FY2026-27, but no implementation schedule has been provided.

Similarly, while the proposed branding and creative industry initiatives are positioned as part of broader efforts to improve Pakistan’s international profile and support export-led growth, the absence of detailed execution frameworks leaves key aspects of the policy undefined.

As outlined in the development documents, the initiatives form part of a wider effort to modernise state media institutions and strengthen cultural and economic soft power. However, the lack of operational detail and phased planning leaves questions regarding delivery capacity and implementation readiness in the coming fiscal year.