Islamabad: A Senate Sub-Committee has called for transparency in the allotment of residential plots to journalists in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi area, expressing concern over delays in the process. According to Senate of Pakistan, the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information & Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, convened in Islamabad to review the rules and procedures for plot allotment to media professionals.

The meeting was attended by Senators Jan Muhammad and Abdul Shakoor Khan, along with representatives from the Parliamentary Reporter Association of Pakistan, National Press Club, and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. Concerns were raised about the delay in the Sub-Committee’s formation and the inaugural meeting. The Director General of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) attributed delays to the pending issuance of minutes from the main Committee.

The D.G. FGEHA outlined the allotment policy, noting a 2% quota for journalists in Phase-I and 1% in Phase-II, with Phase-I allotments completed. Applicants need 20 years of experience, service in the area, and adherence to specific media criteria. A total of 85 plots are available under Phase-II, with allotments based on seniority.

Senator Mehdi urged that the process adhere to seniority and avoid delays, while media representatives voiced concerns about previous schemes and first-come, first-served criteria. Issues regarding Associated Press of Pakistan and Pakistan Television employees were discussed, with APP employees members of the Islamabad Press Club, unlike their PTV counterparts.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was directed to expedite outstanding journalist issues, with APP to be included in future discussions. The Sub-Committee plans to review progress in a month, requesting an updated report from the Plot Selection Committee for Journalists.