Govt releases ad spend data: Drastic cut by PTI, millions spent by PML-N and PDM

The Press Information Department (PID) of the Government of Pakistan has made public the details of government advertisement expenditures on private television channels across three political administrations — PML-N (2013–2017), PTI (2018–2021), and PDM (2022–2023).

PML-N Government (2013–2017)

During the tenure of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the government spent approximately Rs15.74 billion on advertisements. Major media beneficiaries included:

Geo Network: Rs628 million

Dunya News: Rs564 million

Express News: Rs500 million

Capital TV: Rs402 million

Dawn News: Rs204 million

Samaa TV: Rs178 million

ARY News: Rs58.5 million

PTI Government (2018–2021)

Under Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a comparatively modest Rs2.78 billion was spent during its tenure — a significant reduction in state media spending. No detailed channel-wise breakdown was provided for this period.

Read more: Student who criticised CM Maryam’s advertisements says she's received threats

PDM Government (2022–2023)

In its 16-month tenure, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government spent Rs9.16 billion on advertising. Some of the notable disbursements included:

Dunya News: Rs309 million

Hum TV: Rs2.96 million

Express News: Rs282 million

24 News: Rs217 million — a channel owned by the incumbent Interior Minister

The released data has reignited debate over media influence, transparency in government spending, and the use of public funds for political visibility.

Transparency advocates have called for standardized audits and greater accountability across administrations.