Plots distribution to journalists challenge in LHC

Lahore: Government allotted plots to journalists in a scheme which is Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), it has been challenged in Lahore High Court (LHC) today (Tuesday).

According to the details, a plea has been filed by the Information Department (ID) workers who asserted that they were omitted from the allotment process. A bench led by Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmed heard this case amid the complain of the RUDA scheme.

Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmed asked to the ID workers that why did they challenge this advertisement?

The petitioners said that this scheme has been given by the Punjab government violated their rights by excluding them from RUDA.

Justice Sultan questioned that what is the motive behind excluding the petitioners?

The petitioner’s lawyer, Barrister Syed Ali Nauman said that the Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation (PJHF), is accountable for the plot allotment, so why did they exclude them while the main agenda of the housing foundation is to secure the journalists.

The lawyer further said that in 2004 Act a specific quota has made for the Information Department in which PJHF is responsible to allot plots to journalists. We are here to blame for PJHF not RUDA.

Though, the current ad disdains this quota, hovering concerns about transparency and impartiality.

Justice Ahmed also asked about the selection criteria for journalists who are qualified for plot allocation. He stated that what is your protest for towards those who have been included in the quota.

Barrister Nauman stated that the Lahore Press Club assembles a list of journalists that list then sent to the PJHF. The PJHF then allocates plots based on development charges, not on any person's merit.

Justice Ahmed issued notices to government, the PJHF, and RUDA, looking forward to their responses on the next hearing. He also issued a stay order til the next hearing.