Pakistan’s first state-owned private TV channel ATV shut down after two decades.
ISLAMABAD – ATV shut down after 21 years, leaving behind memories and hundreds of uncertain futures as the mainstream media faces a crisis as the masses shift to digital.
After 2 decades on Pakistan’s TV scene, ATV has officially ceased transmission, marking the end of one of the country’s most iconic broadcasting projects. The journey began in June 2005 when ATV was launched as Pakistan’s first public-private partnership television network.
For many viewers, ATV was little more than just another entertainment channel, and the shutdown comes after months of liquidation proceedings, layoffs and ultimately the broadcaster’s permanent shutdown.
Last minutes of ATV closing.
A painful reality, lost jobs, broken careers and an uncertain future for media workers.
Not just the closure of a channel, but another blow to Pakistan’s struggling media industry.
May they all have better opportunities ahead #ATV #Pakistan #HumanityFirst pic.twitter.com/vR9dBjnoVk— Tanveer Iqbal (@thetanveeriqbal) June 20, 2026
On the sets of Boom On Live where we promoted Pakistan’s music to every corner. Since its inception in June 2005, we have helped promote hundreds of artists and launch many new ones.
ATV is now discontinued. The talent will get some more screens and… pic.twitter.com/hAPKDua714— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) June 20, 2026
Islamabad-based TV emerged from a partnership between the government-owned Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company and private sector operator SSI. The model was considered innovative at the time, aiming to combine the reach of public broadcasting infrastructure with the flexibility and commercial approach of private media.
Over the years, ATV gained a lot of popularity through its dramas, family entertainment programs, music shows and morning shows. Unlike those channels that relied primarily on cable distribution, ATV was available through both cable networks and terrestrial antenna transmission. This enabled it to reach viewers in small towns, rural areas and communities where access to cable was limited.
Sebral featured prominent artists on the channel, while many newcomers gained their initial national exposure through its programming. Live shows, music segments and entertainment formats helped introduce fresh talent to audiences across the country.
For TV hosts and presenters, ATV provides opportunities to build careers and connect with viewers. Programs like Boom On Live became part of the channel’s identity during its most active years, but have not caught on as today’s digital landscape offers actors alternative platforms through social media and streaming services.
While viewers may remember ATV for its programs, former employees say the real impact of the shutdown will be felt by people working behind the scenes. Camera operators, editors, engineers, technicians, production staff, coordinators, floor managers and support workers played their part in keeping the channel on air. Many years, and in some cases decades, worked within the organization.
Malik Riaz shut down Aap TV.
The post Pakistan’s first public private TV channel ATV closed after two decades appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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