Federal Minister for Housing and Works Chaudhry Tariq Bashir Cheema on Tuesday visited head office of the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) and directed management to expedite work on the already launched housing schemes and accomplish projects within the proposed time period. Reportedly, Housing and Works department secretary Dr Imran Zaib accompanied him during his visit while FGEHF director general (DG) Waqas Ali Mehmood with other officials gave them a warm welcome. Meanwhile, DG Mehmood briefed the minister about completed, ongoing and future tasks of the housing projects. The officials further analysed issues causing delays in the projects. However, the minister assured officials to resolve all issues on the priority basis, and appreciated their overall performance. Moreover, he considered to hire contract and daily-wage workers as permanent employees, and stated that the federal government would reduce unemployment. Besides, he also instructed officials to compile recommendations of extending housing projects in all four provinces, which would reflect Prime Minister’s vision of providing housing to poverty-stricken families across the country. Later, he participated in a tree-plantation drive, and emphasised on planting more trees. Published in Daily Times, September 12th 2018.