In a significant move to address homelessness, the Punjab government has launched the first phase of its housing scheme, providing 1,892 three-marla plots free of cost to poor and homeless individuals across 22 districts.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while announcing the initiative on Thursday, stated that the implementation process had officially begun, ensuring that deserving individuals would receive their plots without delay. The government has identified 33 housing schemes in various districts, including 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.
Breaking down the allocation, approximately 658 plots will be provided by the gov in five schemes in Rawalpindi division, 288 plots in four schemes in Faisalabad division, and 518 plots in five schemes in Lahore region. Additionally, 131 plots have been allocated across seven schemes in Bhakkar, 270 plots in nine schemes in Multan region, and 27 plots in three schemes in Bahawalpur region. CM Maryam Nawaz has instructed relevant authorities to guarantee fast and transparent distribution so that the most vulnerable individuals in the province can benefit without bureaucratic delays.
Read more: Punjab govt released Rs 2.7 billion for Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme
Laptop Scheme for Students Finalized
Meanwhile, the Punjab government is also prioritizing education and digital access for students by finalizing the merit criteria for its much-anticipated laptop scheme. Provincial Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday to discuss the scheme’s implementation, attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education Ajmal Chandio and Higher Education Department Secretary Dr. Farrukh Naveed.
The laptop scheme is expected to be beneficial for the first and second-semester students. BS students must have scored at least 65% or more than this in their intermediate exams to be eligible for this program, while medical students need a minimum of 80%. Students must also hold a Punjab domicile and be enrolled in public sector colleges or universities within the province.
The minister emphasized the need to expedite the launch of the online application portal and ensure a seamless merit list announcement process. Additionally, final preparations for the “Honhaar Scholarship Programme Phase 2” are under process to support talented students in furthering their education.
The dedication of the Gov is being reflected through this initiative to uplift underprivileged communities, providing shelter and educational opportunities to those in need.