The Punjab government's decision to allocate residential plots to journalists under the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has been challenged in the Lahore High Court.

A petition has been filed and action has been taken in response to a petition filed by Information Department employees who claim they were excluded from the allotment process. The court has made implementation on the advertisement of the Punjab government and RUDA subject to the court’s order.

"Why did you challenge this advertisement?" Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmed asked.

The petitioners, led by Khawaja Muhammad Samiullah Rafiq, argue that the advertisement issued by the Punjab government and RUDA regarding plot allocation violates their rights. They point to the 2004 Act, which stipulates a quota for Information Department employees in such allocations.

During the hearing, Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmed questioned the rationale behind excluding the petitioners. Barrister Syed Ali Nauman, representing the petitioners, explained that the Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation (PJHF), responsible for plot allotment, operates under the Information Department's patronage and should prioritize its employees.

"The purpose of the housing foundation is the welfare of journalists," the counsel said.

He further argued that the PJHF's role is to provide free, non-profit plots to journalists, and the 2004 Act mandates a specific quota for the Information Department. The issuance of allotment forms is also the job of the PJHF, he claimed, adding that RUDA had nothing to do with it.

However, the current advertisement disregards this quota, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.

Justice Ahmed also inquired about the selection criteria for journalists eligible for plot allocation. “What is your objection to the people who have been included in the quota?” the judge asked.

Barrister Nauman clarified that the Lahore Press Club compiles a list of journalists, which is then sent to the PJHF. The PJHF then allocates plots based on development charges, not on any individual's merit.

Following the arguments, Justice Ahmed issued notices to the Punjab government, the PJHF, and RUDA, seeking their responses at the next hearing. It has also issued a stay order on the exercise until the next hearing.

This development adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding plot allocation practices and transparency in government institutions.

Key points:

Information Department employees challenge journalist plot allocation rules.
Petitioners claim the process violates their rights under the 2004 Act.
Hearing highlights concerns about transparency and adherence to established quotas.
Court seeks responses from relevant authorities for further action.