Planet FM 94 launched in Lahore

By: Saira Agha

Radio Pakistan’s English Channel Planet FM 94, after its success in Islamabad, was launched in Lahore on Saturday. The new station caters to all the English song lovers and enthusiasts of our country. The launch took place at the PBC Broadcasting Centre on Empress Road where a large number of Pakistani music artists and singers were present.

“We are glad to be catering to the youth of Pakistan with a station they can call their own. Lahore is undoubtedly the cultural capital of Pakistan and God willing, we will launch Planet FM 94 in Karachi as well,” said Radio Pakistan Director General Murtaza Solangi.

US Consul General in Lahore Nina Maria Fite who was also present at the event, congratulated the youth of Lahore for the exciting launch of FM 94.

“It is a great moment indeed as more than half of our youth is passionate about English songs and music, owing to the sharp rise in education during the recent years. Planet FM 94’s launch has only been possible because of the untiring efforts of Murtaza Solangi. I keenly look forward to a strong partnership between the PCB and FM 94 now to cater to the people not only passionate about music but cricket as well,” said PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf who was a part of the prestigious event as well.

Former Pakistani cricketer Aamir Sohail who also graced the event lauded the efforts of Murtaza Solangix for making a great effort to cater to the educated people of Pakistan and for bringing forward a grand initiative in that regard.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari, presiding over the ceremony said, “Pakistanis are mostly labelled as terrorists abroad. Little does everybody know, that we are the greatest victims of terrorism instead. We as a nation can only do so much as to change that image by promoting arts and entertainment and progress together as one. Although the bond between the US and Pakistan remains strong, I do realise that the Western media unfairly portrays general Pakistanis as terrorists too. We want Bhutto’s Pakistan back, and not the dictatorship era of Ziaul Haq. I have immense belief in Pakistan and together we can change the world, the region, the perception and mentalities of all those who look down upon us. I assume that we will have a peaceful Pakistan sooner than soon.”

This will be the second radio station of FM 94 series of Radio Pakistan; the first one is radiating at Islamabad since 2009. The primary concept of Planet FM 94 is to promote music‚ talent and provide a platform to youth to raise their voice.

Soon after the press conference, a musical concert was also held at the PBC Broadcasting Centre’s premises, where Pakistani music stalwarts such as the Mekaal Hassan Band, Areib Azhar, Saeein Zahoor and Pappu Saaein performed.

Daily Times