Draw for Ashiana scheme on May 1: Shahbaz, Source

LAHORE: CHIEF Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the rising divide between the rich and the poor, saying it needs to be checked and the Ashiana Housing Scheme is a step forward in this direction.

He said that launching of the housing project for the poor and the common man with modern facilities is a revolutionary step of the Punjab government. He said that the project was meant for poor, orphans, widows and martyrs and no compromise would be made on its quality. He said he would personally supervise Ashiana Housing Project and a third party audit would be carried out for the project. He said the ballot for allotment of houses in first Ashiana Housing Scheme in the provincial metropolis would be held on May 1.

The chief minister was talking on the occasion of reviewing the pace of work on first Ashiana Housing Scheme at Saroba Attari here on Saturday.

He said the Punjab government had started the housing scheme for the low income people and it would be an example with regard to quality and all facilities and schools, colleges, dispensaries, vocational institutions and playgrounds would be available in there.

Shahbaz said the scope of the scheme would be expanded throughout the province and the balloting. He said 10 percent quota had been allocated for widows, orphans, disabled and heirs of martyrs in the housing scheme and the Punjab government would itself make down payment on their behalf. He said all possible steps were being taken for early completion of the scheme and best infrastructure was being constructed here.

The CM expressed satisfaction over the pace of work on the project in Saroba Attari and appreciated the quality of work by the Punjab Land Development Company, officers concerned and contractors.

Earlier, Punjab Land Development Company Chairman Sheikh Alauddin, the Lahore commissioner and other officers concerned gave a detailed briefing on the progress of the project.(Courtesy: The News)