On March 10, the Punjab government announced the allocation of 3,200 plots specifically designated for journalists. Confirmed by Azma Bokhari, the Punjab Minister for Information and Culture,  this initiative is part of the Journalist Housing Society Phase-II project aimed at aiding journalists in owning their homes.

During a meeting of the Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation, chaired by Minister Bokhari, details regarding the application scrutiny process were discussed. The meeting saw the participation of key figures including Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, Director General Public Relations Farid Ahmad, and President of the Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari, alongside senior journalists and representatives from the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA).

It was decided that a Scrutiny Committee, consisting of Farid Ahmad, Arshad Ansari, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, and Salman Ghani, would review the applications. The committee is tasked with submitting their findings to the Chief Minister of Punjab within 15 days, who will then proceed with the plot allotments.

The payment terms for the plots were also clarified during the meeting. Journalists who qualify will pay monthly instalments of Rs. 15,000 over a seven-year period, with the balance to be settled in a lump sum alongside the final instalment.

Bokhari said that the allotment will be limited to one plot per family. This measure is intended to maximise the distribution of plots among deserving journalists. Furthermore, in a bid to support women’s empowerment within the journalistic community, it was suggested that in instances where both spouses are journalists, the plot should be registered in the wife’s name.

Concerns were raised about the management of these allotments in the event of the couple separating or divorcing. It was proposed that a clear mechanism for joint allotment or transfer should be established to address such situations, ensuring fair treatment based on individual case reviews.