A delegation of senior journalists met with Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari at the DGPR office in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. The meeting focused on addressing the concerns and issues faced by journalists, particularly regarding the Maskan Ravi housing project, which has been a subject of contention among media professionals.
Minister Azma Bukhari actively listened to the concerns of the journalists and provided clarity on several misconceptions surrounding the Maskan Ravi project. One of the key points addressed was the eligibility for plots under this housing scheme. She assured the delegation that not only journalists but all full-time media workers employed by media organizations would be eligible for plot allotments in the Maskan Ravi project.
The minister explained that the project, which is being overseen by the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), will be completed without the involvement of the Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation (PJHF). This move was aimed at expediting the project and ensuring its timely completion. Bukhari reiterated that the provincial government is committed to providing media professionals with the housing they deserve, and the project would proceed with full transparency and fairness.
A significant decision made during the meeting was the increase in the plot size. The initial plot size has been expanded to 5 marla to accommodate more beneficiaries. This change aims to benefit a broader group of journalists and media workers. The minister revealed that a total of 3,200 plots would be distributed among media professionals, with a special preference given to those based in Lahore. Journalists and media workers from other districts would also be eligible for plots either in the Maskan Ravi scheme or in housing projects in their respective districts.
The minister assured that all appeals filed by petitioners regarding the project would be reviewed on merit, ensuring that no eligible journalist would be deprived of their right to a plot. Moreover, free plots will be allotted to all qualified journalists and media workers under this scheme, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting the media community.
One of the key issues discussed was the delay in the project’s implementation. Minister Bukhari clarified that the delay was not caused by the provincial government or RUDA, but rather by a court injunction obtained by a journalist. This legal hurdle has stalled the progress of the Maskan Ravi project. However, Bukhari assured the delegation that her office has directed staff to seek daily hearings in the High Court to expedite the case and resolve the matter swiftly.
The minister expressed optimism that journalists, who are the intended beneficiaries of the project, would actively participate in the court proceedings to help lift the stay and facilitate the project’s completion. Once the court injunction is lifted, the project will be re-advertised, allowing journalists and media workers who missed the initial application deadline to apply for plots.
Bukhari also provided details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria for the Maskan Ravi project. Those who have already received information letters will not be required to reapply. For new applicants, the eligibility criteria will include ten years of employment in the media industry and a recent salary slip. Additionally, the previous requirement of a Bachelor’s degree has been removed to make the scheme more accessible to media workers.
It was also decided that only one plot would be allotted per family, even if both spouses are media workers, ensuring a fair distribution of plots among eligible families.
During the meeting, the delegation praised the efforts of key figures in the media community, including Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari and senior journalists such as Salman Ghani and Mujeebur Rehman Shami. These individuals have played a pivotal role in advancing the Maskan Ravi project and advocating for the rights of journalists.
The delegation included prominent journalists such as Khalid Hasnain, Sabir Awan, Kashif Malik, Rab Nawaz Khan, Kashif Selman, Faizan Waraich, and Gulzar Mustafai, all of whom contributed valuable insights and suggestions during the discussion. Both parties agreed to maintain open lines of communication and continue consultations in the future to ensure the successful completion of the Maskan Ravi housing project.
The meeting between Minister Azma Bukhari and the delegation of journalists marked a positive step forward in addressing the housing needs of media professionals in Punjab. With the government’s commitment to completing the Maskan Ravi project under RUDA’s supervision and providing free plots to eligible journalists, the project is expected to significantly benefit the media community.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration between the government and media representatives. By addressing legal challenges, streamlining the application process, and ensuring fair distribution of plots, the Maskan Ravi project promises to provide much-needed housing relief to journalists and media workers across Punjab.
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