https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (Alliance News): The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Friday commended Muhammad Asim Khichi, Managing Director, APP, for his pivotal role in unearthing a massive financial scandal and spearheading institutional reforms that have put the state-run news agency back on track.
The meeting, chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch, hailed Khichi’s principled stance as a whistleblower. “He stood tall when others bowed under pressure,” Baloch remarked, describing the MD’s actions as a turning point for institutional integrity.
A Whistleblower Who Rocked the Boat
Khichi’s revelations of over Rs 1.24 billion in embezzlement within a PSDP-funded project exposed a deeply entrenched network of corruption.
He also identified irregularities in Employees Related Expenses, fake appointments, and Provident Fund accounts.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has since registered cases against 16 officials, including former executive directors and managers.
“Accountability delayed is justice denied,” said Baloch, assuring the committee’s full support in ensuring justice is delivered without delay.
Secretary Information, Ms. Ambreen Jan, called MD APP, Asim Khichi “a torchbearer of integrity” whose actions proved that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Broad Political Support
Members including Kiran Dar and Syed Amin ul Haq (MQM) rallied behind Khichi’s reformist agenda. Haq asked whether Khichi faced threats from those linked to the corrupt network.
Calmly, MD APP Asim Khichi replied that while pressure was real, his commitment to transparency and accountability was unwavering.
“Truth may be bitter, but it is always stronger than lies,” he stated, earning appreciation from members who termed his courage exemplary.
Strengthening APP: From Scandal to Digital Success
Asim Khichi presented a report highlighting APP’s growing digital presence:
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Website revenue: Rs 2.4 million annually
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Cost saving from server migration: $9,000 annually
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Web impressions: 85 million
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Social media reach: 10.3 million (Facebook), 10 million (TikTok), 1.5 million (X), 319,000 (Instagram), 137,000 (YouTube)
Under his leadership, APP has been publishing 350–400 stories daily, reaffirming its role as Pakistan’s largest news outlet. “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but APP under Khichi is surely rebuilding its empire,” remarked a committee member.
Reform Agenda: Separating Wheat from Chaff
MD APP, Asim Khichi emphasized APP’s internal reforms:
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Degree verification drive nearly completed; fake credentials will face strict disciplinary action.
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Mandatory life certificates for pensioners every six months.
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Demand of Rs 300 million placed before Finance Division for pension adjustments.
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Strategic revenue plan projecting Rs 200 million annual income.
“By tightening loose screws, we can prevent the ship from sinking,” Khichi said, underscoring the seriousness of his restructuring efforts.
Wider Institutional Updates
The committee also reviewed progress in related departments:
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Secretary Ambreen Jan briefed on PTV reforms, confirming Rs 11 billion in employee dues cleared and another Rs 4.5 billion requested.
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The Press Information Commission (PIC) reported resolution of 5,435 out of 6,340 complaints filed in the last eight years.
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Principal Information Officer Mobashir Hassan highlighted the omission of Quaid-e-Azam’s image in the Independence Day advertisement, calling it a grave oversight.
Despite these discussions, the spotlight remained firmly on APP and Khichi’s reformist leadership.
Asim Khichi: A Man of the Hour
Observers noted that Khichi’s leadership has simultaneously strengthened institutional accountability and digital modernization—“killing two birds with one stone.”
Unlike many bureaucrats who avoid confrontation, Khichi chose to act. “Let the chips fall where they may,” he said, a stance that won cross-party admiration.
MNA Sehar Kamran summed it up: “It takes just one candle to light up the darkness. Mr. Khichi has proven that honesty, when combined with courage, can change the narrative.”
Looking Forward
Khichi informed the committee that cabinet approval is awaited for MoUs with 11 international news agencies, further boosting APP’s global standing. By combining transparency with digital innovation, APP is being repositioned as a forward-looking institution.
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating,” said one member, pointing to APP’s rising revenue and social media reach.
The Bottom Line
Friday’s committee session was not just a routine meeting—it was a milestone in Pakistan’s media accountability. By endorsing Khichi’s reforms, parliamentarians sent a clear signal: corruption will not be brushed under the carpet.
As members departed, one phrase captured the mood: “Honesty is the best policy—and Asim Khichi is living proof.”
