Aashiyana Housing Scheme termed revolutionary project

Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that 'Aashiyana Housing Scheme' is a revolutionary project of Punjab government under which such modern residential facilities will be provided to the poor, labourers, orphans, widows and the families of martyrs as are available in the housing schemes for the elite.
He said that transparency in the execution of development projects is the hallmark of the present government and like Daanish Schools, Aashiyana Housing Schemes will also be completed in a transparent manner. He announced that balloting for the first scheme will be held on May 1st and in the first phase, keys of 400 houses will be given to the lucky winners of the draw in next three months. He was talking to media after a briefing meeting regarding the pace of implementation of Aashiyana Housing project at Saroba Atari, Sunday.
The chief minister pointed out that it is for the first time in the 63-year history of the country that low-cost housing schemes equipped with the latest residential facilities are being developed for the hardworking and toiling citizens of the country. These citizens are earning livelihood for their children by honest means, he said adding that credit for the project goes to Pakistan Muslim League Chief, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab government.
Shahbaz informed that approval has been granted for the housing schemes in Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Jhelum and the scope of this welfare project would be extended to the entire province. He said that the scheme will be unique with regard to their standard and transparency like other projects of Punjab government. He further said best locations have been selected for the schemes, and 3,000, two and three marla houses will be constructed at the first Aashiyana Scheme being developed on a valuable peace of land in Lahore at an estimated cost of rupees three billion.
He maintained that an excellent design has been selected for these schemes and a park, vocational training institute, school, college, hospital, playground and other basic facilities will be available due to which these would be among the most modern housing schemes of the country.
The chief minister apprised that more than 20,000 applications have been received for the first Aashiyana Housing Scheme and a committee has been formed for scrutiny and verification of the particulars of the applicants so that only eligible persons get allotted houses. He observed that if even a single wrong allotment is made, it will defeat the very purpose of the scheme. He directed that no preference should be given to the applicants paying lump sum amount for the houses and their applications should be treated as similar to others.
He informed that 10 percent quota has been reserved for widows, orphans, disabled and the families of martyrs in Aashiyana Housing Schemes, and Punjab government will make down payment of rupees 2.5 lakh (rupees 250,000) itself for the houses of such persons. He assured that the provincial government is utilising all available resources for the welfare and betterment of masses and the low-cost scheme is an important step towards transforming the country in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal. It would also promote a feeling among the common citizens that they have an equal right over national resources, he added.
Shahbaz congratulated elected representatives, administrative officers and the entire team engaged in furthering the housing project and their co-operation in the noble cause of implementation of the welfare project. He said that media, which is playing an important role in reformation of the society, should also highlight such welfare activities. He also said that the housing scheme will be completely free from corruption and media should point out if any shortcoming is detected during the process.
Secretary Communication and Works, Maj. Azam Salman (retd) and Commissioner Lahore Division, Nadeem Hassan Asif gave a detailed briefing regarding construction of link roads and provision of health, education and sports facilities in Aashiyana Housing Scheme, respectively. Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Chairman Punjab Land Development Company, Sheikh Allauddin, Members Provincial Assembly, Chairman Planning and Development, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretary Housing, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board, Secretary Information and senior officers concerned were also present on the occasion.
Later, the chief minister reviewed pace of construction of flyover and underpasses at Kalma Chowk. He said that the project will result in the availability of modern communication facilities to the citizens as well as improving flow of traffic. He observed that the project has an excellent design and maximum tree plantation should be undertaken for its beautification. He expressed satisfaction over the alternative traffic plan during the construction of the flyover and directed that a similar plan should be devised on the other side during the construction for maintaining the flow of traffic so that people do not face any difficulty.