BY: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting reviewed the rules, eligibility criteria and procedure for allotment of residential plots to journalists and media workers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi and attended by Senators Jan Muhammad and Abdul Shakoor Khan. Representatives of the Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan (PRA), National Press Club, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and media workers also participated and presented their concerns.
The Director General of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) briefed the committee that a 2 percent quota had been allocated for journalists and media workers in Phase-I, while 1 percent was reserved for journalists in Phase-II. A total of 85 plots of different categories are available under Phase-II.
The committee was informed that applicants must have at least 20 years of professional experience, be serving in Islamabad or Rawalpindi, while the concerned newspaper must have remained on the Central Media List for the preceding three years. The spouse of an applicant should also not have previously received a plot in Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi directed that all eligible journalists be considered strictly according to seniority and that the process should not be unnecessarily delayed. He also directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to prioritize the matter and said the committee would review progress after one month.
Media representatives raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities in previous plot allotments and requested lists of journalists who had received two plots under earlier schemes to ensure transparency and prevent duplication.
The committee also discussed pending cases of 35 applicants who had approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib and were reportedly awaiting resolution since 2004. The DG FGEHA assured the committee that these cases would be taken up with the relevant authorities.
The Convener directed the Ministry to move the required summary to the Prime Minister’s Office for resolution of outstanding issues. He also directed that Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) be invited to the next meeting to discuss the eligibility of its employees.
The Sub-Committee decided to review progress on all outstanding matters after one month and directed that an updated report of the Plot Selection Committee for Journalists be furnished within 15 days.
