Senate panel seeks transparency in journalists’ plot allotme

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ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Aug, 2026) A Senate sub-committee on Monday sought transparency in the allotment of residenti
The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, reviewed the rules, eligibili
Representatives of the Parliamentary Reporters Association, National Press Club, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and other media workers attende
The FGEHA director general told the meeting that a two per cent quota had been allocated for journalists and media workers in Phase-I, while one per c
He said allotments under Phase-I had already been completed

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Aug, 2026) A Senate sub-committee on Monday sought transparency in the allotment of residential plots to journalists and media workers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, directing the authorities to ensure that eligible applicants were considered strictly on the basis of seniority.

The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, reviewed the rules, eligibility criteria and procedure for allotment of plots under the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) schemes.

Representatives of the Parliamentary Reporters Association, National Press Club, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and other media workers attended the meeting and raised concerns over the allotment process.

The FGEHA director general told the meeting that a two per cent quota had been allocated for journalists and media workers in Phase-I, while one per cent had been reserved for journalists in Phase-II. He said allotments under Phase-I had already been completed.

Under the eligibility criteria, applicants must have at least 20 years of professional experience and be serving in Islamabad or Rawalpindi. The newspaper or publication concerned must have remained on the Central Media List for the preceding three years, while the spouse of an applicant must not previously have been allotted a plot in either city.

The DG said FGEHA had prepared the list of eligible applicants and allotments in Phase-II would be made according to seniority.

A total of 85 plots of different categories were available.

The committee was also informed about complaints concerning the allotment of plots under the Bara Kahu scheme. Media representatives alleged that the first-come, first-served criterion had not been followed and expressed concern that the same issue could affect the Phase-II process.

They also raised the cases of 35 applicants who had approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib and had reportedly been awaiting a decision since 2004.

The representatives called for lists of journalists and media workers who had previously received two plots to be obtained to prevent duplication and ensure transparency.

The eligibility of employees of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Pakistan Television (PTV) also came under discussion. The FGEHA DG told the committee that APP employees were members of the Islamabad Press Club, whereas ptv employees were not.

Senator Waqar Mehdi directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to move the requisite summary to the Prime Minister’s Office for resolution of outstanding issues concerning journalists.

He also directed that APP be invited to the next meeting to discuss matters relating to its employees.

The FGEHA DG assured the committee that the cases of the 35 applicants would be taken up with the relevant authorities.

The sub-committee decided to review progress on the outstanding issues after one month and directed that an updated report of the Plot Selection Committee for Journalists be submitted within 15 days.

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