Punjab CM announces free three-marla plots for homeless

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced on Thursday implementation of a landmark decision to provide free plots to the homeless in the province, launching the 3-marla plot scheme to uplift the poor and underprivileged.

She revealed that in the first phase, 1,892 plots would be distributed across 33 schemes in 22 districts of Punjab. The plots would be made available at Hazro, Attock, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot, Mamun Kanjan, Sillanwali, Jhang, Pattuki, Okara, Renala Khurd, Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Vehari, Lodhran, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Fort Munro, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.

According to a briefing, 658 plots will be allotted in five schemes across four districts of Rawalpindi division; 288 plots in four schemes across five districts of Faisalabad division; 518 plots in five schemes across three districts of Lahore region; 131 plots in seven schemes in Bhakkar region; 270 plots in nine schemes across five districts of Multan region; and 27 plots in three schemes of Bahawalpur region.

The CM highlighted the importance of the scheme, urging authorities concerned to prioritise providing free plots to homeless and needy individuals. She stated, “It is my dream and duty to provide Punjab’s citizens with their own house.”

Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the role of radio in communication. She underscored its significance as a primary source of education, information and entertainment, noting, “It is impossible to deny the importance of radio in public life. Even today, it remains a reliable source of news.”

Maryam also highlighted the cultural and artistic contributions of radio, saying, “Radio Pakistan has played a crucial role in promoting fine arts, music, entertainment, sound theatre and culture.” With hundreds of regional and national radio channels reaching millions, she acknowledged their impact in delivering news and music to the masses.