Journalists raise grievances over plot and flat distribution

The Senate Sub-Committee on Information and Broadcasting demanded a transparent system for distributing plots and flats reserved

Islamabad:  The Senate Sub-Committee on Information and Broadcasting demanded a transparent system for distributing plots and flats reserved for journalists and media workers, ordering that lists of eligible applicants be made public on the websites of the Press Club and other relevant forums.

The committee also sought all rules and regulations governing the scheme after several journalists who applied for the housing programme raised grievances before it. The applicants questioned process issues and sought action on their concerns.

The sub-committee meeting was held at PTV Headquarters in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi. Senator Jan Muhammad and officials from the relevant authorities also attended the meeting.

The committee was reviewing progress on recommendations made at its previous meeting regarding the distribution of plots and flats reserved for journalists and media workers by the Federal Government Employees Housing Society and the existing quotas under the scheme.

The General Secretary of the Press Club Islamabad told the committee that the Ministry was fully cooperating and that work was moving according to schedule. He said the first phase of the plan had been completed and the process had now entered its second phase.

Journalists who had applied under the programme attended the meeting and presented their complaints and concerns. The sub-committee assured them that their grievances would be considered and addressed promptly.

Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi directed all relevant stakeholders to be included in the process and stressed the need for a clear and transparent system. He said the names of people who meet the required criteria should be placed on the websites of the relevant institutions, including the Press Club, so that the process remains open and easy for everyone to check.

The convener said journalists and media workers perform their duties day and night and face difficult conditions in the field. He said their problems and hardships should be kept in mind when dealing with the housing scheme.

The committee also directed officials from the Ministry to provide all relevant rules and regulations so the sub-committee could examine the framework under which plots and flats are being distributed.

The convener assured participants that the matter would be resolved and said the sub-committee would submit its recommendations by the end of the month.

A follow-up meeting will also be held after the recommendations are submitted to review further progress on the housing scheme and the concerns raised by journalists and media workers.