Pakistan, Iran sign five MoUs to deepen media, cultural cooperation

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah addresses media in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 10, 2024. (APP/File)
Short Url
Updated 05 November 2025
Follow

Pakistan, Iran sign five MoUs to deepen media, cultural cooperation

  • Tarar calls digital media ‘the way forward,’ hoping the accords will enhance collaboration in the field
  • Iranian envoy says the MoUs will promote media cooperation and open avenues for public diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Tuesday signed five agreements to strengthen cooperation in broadcasting, digital media and cultural exchange, according to a state media report, with officials describing the development as a step toward stronger ties through enhanced cultural understanding.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), inked between Iran’s state broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), and several Pakistani media institutions, aim to boost collaboration in content production, training and regulatory practices.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar termed the visit of the Iranian media delegation “productive and inspiring,” saying the signing of MoUs reflected both governments’ resolve to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote shared values of peace.

“Digital media is the way forward,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency quoted him as saying, as he highlighted that “the new agreements with Iran focus on enhancing collaboration in this vital domain, allowing both countries to learn from each other’s experiences.”

According to official summaries, the MoUs between IRIB and Pakistani institutions — including Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Box Office (Pvt) Ltd, Sab TV Network, and VSH TV — cover areas such as broadcasting, training, content production and cultural exchange.

Under the IRIB-PTV MoU, both broadcasters will exchange television programs and co-produce news and cultural content.

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam thanked the government for its support, saying the new framework would “bring the people of Pakistan and Iran closer through enhanced cultural understanding and media exchange.”

“These agreements will not only promote cooperation between our media organizations but also pave the way for broader public diplomacy,” the ambassador said.


Pakistan telecom authority approves PTCL’s $400 million deal to acquire Telenor

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan telecom authority approves PTCL’s $400 million deal to acquire Telenor

  • Deal will see PTCL’s mobile arm Ufone merge with Telenor Pakistan to create second-largest mobile operator
  • Regulator says will closely monitor transaction, urges both companies to ensure continuity, quality of services 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced this week it has granted a no objection certificate to the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to push ahead with its $400 million deal to acquire Telenor Pakistan. 

The major acquisition, which was announced earlier this year, will merge PTCL’s mobile arm Ufone with Telenor Pakistan to create the country’s second-largest mobile operator.

The development takes place as Pakistan’s telecom industry faces rising costs and regulatory pressures.

 “PTA evaluated the transaction’s impact on market competition and consumer interests, and consulted relevant government bodies to ensure full compliance with statutory requirements,” the authority said in a statement issued late Saturday. 

The PTA said both companies must ensure continuity and quality of services to consumers, urging them to uphold all license obligations during the transaction. 

“PTA will closely monitor the process to safeguard consumer rights and maintain a competitive and forward-looking telecom sector,” it added. 

PTCL had earlier said the acquisition will improve customer experience, enhance network quality and coverage, while enabling the whole sector to achieve greater efficiency, build resilient infrastructure and create a more competitive landscape. 

The deal is expected to reshape Pakistan’s telecom landscape, which has four major operators but remains under pressure from thin margins, high spectrum fees and heavy capital expenditure needs.