Punjab govt to provide free plots to journalists & media workers

LAHORE: A delegation of senior journalists met Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari today at the DGPR office in a positive and pleasant atmosphere.

Azma Bukhari listened attentively to the problems of journalists and solved their problems. He cleared the misconceptions regarding Muskan Ravi project.

During the meeting, it was agreed that plots will be allotted not only to journalists but also to all full-time media workers working in media organizations in Maskan Ravi scheme. The provincial minister assured that the Maskan Ravi project would be completed as soon as possible, under the supervision of RUDA, with no involvement of PJHF.

Bukhari added that a total of 3200 journalists and media workers will get plots, the plot size will be increased to 5 marla to accommodate more beneficiaries. Preference will be given to journalists and media workers from Lahore, those from other cities who are getting plots in Maskan Ravi or in housing schemes of their respective districts.

The minister added that the appeals filed by the petitioners in the Maskan Ravi project will be considered on merit, ensuring that no journalist is deprived of his right. Additionally, free plots will be provided to all eligible media workers and journalists under this scheme.

She explained that the delay in the project was not caused by RUDA or the Punjab government but by a journalist who had obtained an injunction against the project. However, he has directed his staff to seek directions from the High Court for daily hearing and expedite the case. Bukhari expressed hope that journalists benefiting from the project would appear in court to lift the ban and dismiss the case.

After the court stay ends, the Maskan Ravi scheme will be re-advertised for journalists and media workers who missed the application deadline. Those who have already received information letters will not need to apply again. Eligibility requirements include ten years’ employment and one year’s salary slip, while the BA education requirement will be removed.

Maskan Ravi’s delegation included Khalid Hasnain, Sabir Awan, Kashif Malik, Rab Nawaz Khan, Kashif Selman, Faizan Waraich and Gulzar Mustafai. Both parties agreed to continue consultations in the future. Only one plot will be allotted per family, even if both husband and wife are media workers.

The delegation appreciated the efforts of Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, Senior Journalists Salman Ghani, Mujeebur Rehman Shami and others in advancing the Muskan Ravi project.