Minister assures transparency in allotment of plots to journalists

JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 03, 2015

Join our WhatsApp channel

Minister assures transparency in allotment of plots to journalists

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rasheed on Tuesday assured the Senate of transparency in the upcoming allotment of plots to journalists in different sectors of the federal capital.

Answering a question during Question Hour, the minister said, the present government has not so far allotted any plot to journalists. “However, I assure you that there will be no pick and choose in any future allotment process.”

The minister was asked about the criteria for the allotment of plots and the number of plots allotted to journalists during the last five years.

Rasheed said that during the last five years 11 journalists were allotted plots in sector G-14 Islamabad against the quota reserved for them.

The minister said that the question relates to an old case but when the present government will develop new sectors journalists will be allotted plots as per their quota and those journalists who have not been allotted plots previously shall be accommodated in those sectors.

He said the former prime minister had allocated a three per cent quota for journalists and 152 plots were allotted to journalists previously, whereas those remaining will be accommodated in new sectors.

He also mentioned the development of media colony by the Punjab government for journalists working in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Answering a supplementary question about the procedure of allotment, the minister said that an advertisement was published in newspapers earlier seeking applications from journalists. Then a committee was constituted for allotment on whose decisions certain journalists raised objections and approached the courts. Consequently, the then government also abided by the court verdicts.

“But the allotment process will be made transparent during the allotment of plots in the new sectors,” he said. He further explained that if the number of plots and the applications received shall have the same number then every applicant will be allotted a plot and if the number of application will be more than the plots quota then a proper balloting will be ensured. - APP

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.

Ghulam Abbas Shah joins Discover Pakistan as Head of Programming

April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.

PFUJ condemns Pakistani journalists' visit to Israel as an ethical violation

April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.

Can films fight terrorism? Dawn raises doubts

March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?

Newsroom

Nominations open for IPI’s 2025 Press Freedom Awards

April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.

Journalist burned alive while reporting Kathmandu protest

April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Digital journalist arrested for corruption reporting in India

April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration's move to dismantle VOA

March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.

Turkey deports BBC journalist over 'public order' threat, fines TV channels

March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.