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Friday February 07, 2025

Maskan Ravi scheme: Maryam gives allotment letters, keys to 100 families

Punjab govt plans to provide 100,000 houses to deserving families within year under Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar initiative

By Our Correspondent
January 14, 2025
Punjab CM handing over the allotment letters and keys to families on January 13, 2025.— Facebook@TheMaryamNSharif
Punjab CM handing over the allotment letters and keys to families on January 13, 2025.— Facebook@TheMaryamNSharif

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday inaugurated the Zahra Homes/Maskan Ravi scheme in Kala Shah Kaku, distributing allotment letters and keys to 100 families.

Addressing a ceremony, she expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty, saying: “It is a moment of relief and joy to see deserving families finally having their own homes. I appreciate the Ruda and the Ministry of Housing for completing this project within just two and a half months.” She highlighted the vision of PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing his 45 years of dedication to the nation’s development. She noted, “Whenever Pakistan’s atomic power, economic development, or infrastructure is mentioned, Nawaz Sharif’s name stands out. Zahra Homes reflect his vision for a prosperous and equitable Pakistan.”

She announced that the Punjab government planned to provide 100,000 houses to deserving families within a year under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar initiative. She assured transparency in allotments, interest-free loans of up to Rs15 lakh for small plot owners, and monthly installments of Rs14,000 for seven years.

The houses in Zahra Homes are earthquake-resistant, energy-efficient, and equipped with solar systems. Each 400-square-foot house includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a courtyard. The community features facilities such as an RO water plant, a school, a playground, a mosque, and a dispensary. She also announced plans to provide free residential plots to deserving families soon and added: “I am working to fulfil Nawaz Sharif’s dream of ensuring every family has a home.”

Honhaar Scholarships: Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to increase the number of Honhaar Scholarships to 50,000 next year and announced plans for scholarships for second and third-year students. She said: “These scholarships are a testament to our commitment to merit and political impartiality. We aim to ease the financial burden on parents and invest Rs72 billion, though even Rs172 billion would not be enough for this noble cause.” She urged students to put the country first, saying: “Do not let hatred or revenge cloud your judgment. Pakistan belongs to all of us, and we must rise above divisions to ensure its prosperity.”

She announced the launch of 100,000 electric bikes and laptops for students starting next year and pledged to address the concerns of students and parents alike. She said: “Other provinces are asking for scholarships and we are giving them. I am a mother and cannot teach a lesson of hatred to my children. No patriot can attack a province from another province. No guardian of the homeland can attack the officials of law-enforcement agencies, we cannot tolerate the ridicule of uniformed people who sacrifice their lives to ensure our security. I did not complain after facing 50-degree heat in Adiala and Kot Lakhpat Jails. Whenever I raised hand, I prayed for the peace of my country and nation. Making a narrative of accusations can be the style of those who do not work.”

Maryam distributed Honhaar Scholarships worth Rs17.32 crore among 3,011 students in Bahawalpur Division during a ceremony at the Islamia University Bahawalpur. She interacted with students and honoured squash player Sohail Adnan, the British Junior Champion Under-13, with a Rs50 lakh cheque. She praised the students’ enthusiasm and acknowledged the emotional connection of a female student who delivered a heartfelt Seraiki speech, bringing tears to her eyes.

Maryam highlighted the scholarships’ impact, noting that more than 11,000 students from four divisions received scholarships worth Rs72 crore. She emphasized that Bahawalpur Division stood second in scholarship recipients after Lahore.

The ceremony featured national songs, guard of honour for students and gifts presented to the CM including a traditional Chunri. Maryam lauded teachers and the university’s administration, expressing her deep affection for the students and their achievements.