Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has carried out the official balloting process for 720 newly constructed apartments allocated to homeless industrial workers, marking a significant milestone in the provincial government’s efforts to improve housing and social welfare for the working class.

The Chief Minister formally inaugurated the balloting by pressing a button during a special ceremony and extended her heartfelt congratulations to the successful industrial workers. With the completion of the transparent balloting process, 720 industrial workers will now become owners of ready-built homes, fulfilling a long-standing dream of secure housing for many low-income families.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed her government’s strong commitment to the welfare of industrial workers, stating that providing dignified housing to the working class is a top priority of the Punjab government. She emphasized that industrial workers are the backbone of the province’s economy and deserve security, respect, and improved living standards.

On the instructions of the Chief Minister, widows and persons with disabilities were excluded from the lottery process and were granted flats directly, ensuring that the most vulnerable segments of society receive immediate relief without procedural hurdles. This step was widely appreciated as a compassionate and inclusive policy decision.

Maryam Nawaz further directed the relevant authorities to complete an additional 1,872 flats for industrial workers within the next 18 months, signaling an expansion of the housing initiative to benefit even more deserving families across Punjab. She stressed that delays would not be tolerated and that quality construction standards must be maintained.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister also issued special instructions to facilitate workers with disabilities, ordering that special industrial workers be allocated apartments on the ground floor to ensure ease of access and a better quality of life.

In addition to housing, Maryam Nawaz announced further welfare measures for industrial workers. She directed the authorities to complete a bachelor hostel for 700 workers within three months at the Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura, aimed at providing safe and affordable accommodation for unmarried workers employed in the industrial zone.

In a touching moment, the Chief Minister personally called an industrial worker named Nadeem Tahir, who was among the successful allottees, to congratulate him. During the call, she advised him to keep his parents with him, saying that “the prayers of parents bring success and blessings, and it is through their prayers that you have received this home.” The gesture was warmly received and highlighted the Chief Minister’s personal engagement with beneficiaries.

Officials present at the event stated that the housing scheme is part of a broader vision to uplift industrial workers through sustainable welfare policies, including housing, healthcare, education, and social security. They added that such initiatives would help reduce urban housing shortages and improve living conditions in industrial areas.

The ceremony concluded with renewed assurances from the Punjab government that it would continue to introduce people-centric policies focused on social justice, economic inclusion, and dignity for laborers.

The allocation of 720 apartments is being viewed as a major step toward addressing the housing needs of industrial workers in Punjab, while the planned expansion reflects the government’s long-term commitment to inclusive development and worker welfare across the province.