1,800 Free Plots, Punjab’s Bold Move to Combat Homelessness

LAHORE, Pakistan — Punjab government has announced the distribution of over 1,800 three-marla plots free of cost to poor and homeless residents across the province. This initiative marks the first phase of a larger housing scheme aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable communities.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while unveiling the plan on Thursday, highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring every citizen’s right to shelter. “The implementation of the decision to provide free plots to homeless people in Punjab has begun,” she stated, emphasizing the province’s focus on social welfare and community development.

In this initial phase, 1,892 plots will be allocated across 33 housing schemes spanning 22 districts. The plots will be distributed in Hazro, Attock, Jhelum, Gujarat, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot, Mamun Kanjan, Salanwali, Jhang, Patoki, Okara, Renala Khurd, Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Vehari, Lodhran, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Fort Munro, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.

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Breaking down the numbers, the Rawalpindi division will see the provision of 658 plots across five schemes in four districts, while Faisalabad division will receive 288 plots in four schemes covering five districts. In the Lahore region, 518 plots will be distributed through five schemes in three districts. Meanwhile, 131 plots will be allocated across seven schemes in Bhakkar, 270 plots through nine schemes in five districts of the Multan region, and 27 plots in three schemes of the Bahawalpur region.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities to expedite the distribution process, ensuring that the plots reach the most deserving homeless individuals promptly.

In a parallel effort to empower the youth, the Punjab government has also finalized the merit criteria for its upcoming laptop scheme targeting students in the province. Presiding over a high-level review meeting, Provincial Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized the need for swift implementation, with a focus on finalizing the rules, procedures, and eligibility criteria.

Under this scheme, laptops will be distributed to first and second-semester students. The merit benchmark has been set at a minimum of 65% for BS students and 80% for medical students, based on their intermediate examination marks. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide equal educational opportunities to students across Punjab.

The meeting, attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education Ajmal Chandio and Higher Education Department (HED) Secretary Dr. Farrukh Naveed, concluded with directives to expedite the launch of the online application portal and the preparation for the “Honhaar Scholarship Programme Phase 2.”

These initiatives highlight the Punjab government’s holistic approach to societal upliftment, addressing both basic needs and educational empowerment. As the province moves forward with these ambitious programs, thousands stand to benefit, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future.

This comprehensive approach by the Punjab government not only underscores its commitment to social welfare but also sets a precedent for other provinces to follow. With a focus on both shelter and education, these initiatives are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless citizens.