Senate Panel Seeks Transparency in Journalists’ Plot Allotment
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - August 25, 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 authorities to ensure eligible applicants were considered strictly based on seniority.
The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, reviewed rules, eligibility criteria, and procedures for plot allotment under Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) schemes. Representatives from 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 informed the meeting that a two percent quota had been allocated for journalists and media workers in Phase I, while one percent was reserved for journalists in Phase II. He stated allotments under Phase I had already been completed.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have at least 20 years of professional experience.
- They should be serving in Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
- The newspaper or publication concerned must have remained on the Central Media List for the preceding three years.
- The spouse of an applicant must not previously have been allotted a plot in either city.
The DG explained that FGEHA had prepared a 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 also discussed complaints regarding the allotment of plots under the Bara Kahu scheme. Media representatives alleged non-compliance with the first-come, first-served criterion and expressed concerns about potential issues in the Phase II process. They also raised cases of 35 applicants who had approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib since 2004, awaiting a decision.
The representatives requested obtaining lists of journalists and media workers who had previously received two plots to prevent duplication and ensure transparency. The eligibility of employees from Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Pakistan Television (PTV) was also discussed. The FGEHA DG clarified that APP employees were members of the Islamabad Press Club, while 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 decided to invite APP to the next meeting to discuss matters related to its employees. The FGEHA DG assured the committee that the cases of the 35 applicants would be addressed with the relevant authorities.