Lahore Press Club elections: Journalists’ Group set for a clean sweep

LAHORE (RNN TV) —  The Punjab government has approved the master plan of Journalists Colony Phase II, paving the way for providing residential plots to 3,200 journalists, as the Lahore Press Club elections see the Journalists’ Group emerging in a commanding position.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will personally distribute allotment letters among journalists in February, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to providing “a roof over the head” to media professionals in Lahore. The journalist community of Lahore and the Punjab government have also expressed confidence in Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari for his role in facilitating the process.

The decisions were taken at the 44th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Journalists Housing Foundation, held under the chairmanship of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, MPA Bilal Yamin Satti, Deputy Secretary Adnan Rashid, and representatives of the Punjab Journalists Federation (PJF), including Asad Hussain and Mohammad Yaseen.

The board formally approved the master plan for Journalists Colony Phase II. Briefing the meeting, Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani said the housing scheme would include schools, parks, commercial areas and a well-planned road network ranging from 40 to 100 feet in width. He added that Rs400 million had already been paid to the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), while the process of land acquisition was nearing completion under Section Four.

Ms Bokhari informed the meeting that 3,200 plots of five marlas each would be allotted to journalists. “Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is going to provide homes to 3,200 journalists of Lahore,” she said, adding that the chief minister would personally hand over allotment letters in February.

She said the Punjab government was moving forward with sincerity to secure the future of journalists and their families. “It is unfortunate that a few black sheep, hiding under the guise of journalism, are opposing their own colleagues’ right to a home for narrow political interests,” she remarked, warning such elements against indulging in what she termed “dirty politics” over the housing scheme.

The information minister alleged that individuals linked to the media wing of a political party had been spreading propaganda against Journalists Colony Phase II. “In the coming days, such elements will be exposed,” she said, appreciating the cooperation extended by the current administration of the Lahore Press Club.

Ms Bokhari said the Journalists Housing Foundation would soon begin handing over plots to Phase II members, noting that 1,400 journalist members had already deposited advance development charges, while 635 employees of the Punjab Information Department had also submitted their dues. She urged remaining members to deposit their charges at the earliest.

She further stated that no one would be allowed to play with the future of 3,200 journalists and their families, adding that the balloting process for non-members would be completed in a transparent manner. “The government cannot be blackmailed through mafias or pressure groups,” she said.

The meeting decided to put matters related to journalist housing schemes in Rawalpindi and Multan on hold until the next session, while council members of the Multan Press Club were asked to submit journalists’ records. It was also decided to adopt the LDA commercial plan for the Lahore journalists’ colony.

Ms Bokhari announced that all press clubs would be bound to hold their elections between December and January every year.