ISLAMABAD:A Senate subcommittee on Information and Broadcasting has recommended that journalists affiliated with press clubs be facilitated through the Prime Minister’s loan facility to help meet their housing needs.
The recommendation was made at the third meeting of the subcommittee, held at Pakistan Television (PTV) Headquarters on Tuesday under the convenership of Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi. Senator Jan Muhammad also attended the meeting.
The subcommittee reviewed progress on the timely and transparent allotment of plots and flats reserved for journalists and media workers under government housing schemes, particularly through the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA).
The convener said he had received the final list of journalists who had been allotted plots so far. A representative of journalists informed the meeting that the list pertained to Drive-II, while efforts were now focused on Drive-I at Bara Kahu.
Senator Mehdi said the matter would be taken up with the Ministry of Housing and Works, adding that considerable progress had been made.
He also recommended that the list of journalists submitted to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for plot allotments be verified as soon as possible to prevent duplicate allotments.
Officials of the Ministry of Housing and Works briefed the meeting on the subcommittee’s recommendations and progress made by the departments concerned.
The formation of a grievance committee was also recommended to address complaints and disputes relating to the allotment of plots and flats to journalists and media workers.
A representative of journalists proposed that the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) also be included in the relevant list of beneficiaries under the plot-allotment schemes.
Participants observed that plots had last been allotted to journalists approximately two decades ago, highlighting the need for renewed efforts to address their housing requirements.
The journalists attending the meeting appreciated the subcommittee’s efforts and recommended an extension of its tenure to help resolve pending issues.
Senator Mehdi also acknowledged Senator Jan Muhammad’s contribution to efforts for the welfare of journalists.
The convener said the housing-allotment matter would be pursued with the Ministry of Housing and Works.