Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally inaugurated the portal for a landmark agricultural and economic uplift initiative titled “Apni Zameen… Apni Mehnat, Apni Fasal… Apna Rozgar” (Own Land, Own Effort, Own Crop, Own Livelihood).
Under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar Scheme”, agricultural land worth approximately Rs160 billion will be distributed among landless rural residents. The scheme aims to promote agricultural productivity and economic prosperity across Punjab.
According to a briefing by Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, agricultural land will be identified based on water availability and soil fertility. A total of 13,812 agricultural plots across various districts will benefit 88,780 families, while in Cholistan, 16,685 plots will benefit 101,111 families. Each successful applicant will be allotted agricultural land worth Rs2.5 million to Rs4 million for cultivation. Additionally, a one-time development grant ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs250,000 per acre will be provided to support land cultivation.
Under the scheme, unemployed farmers in rural areas will be given agricultural land on a 10-year lease. In districts, 43,938 areas have been identified, while 83,425 areas in Cholistan have been marked, keeping irrigation and fertility factors in view.
Applicants can apply online at akarpunjabgovt.pk from May 2 to May 18. Candidates will have the option to file appeals with the Deputy Commissioner between June 1 and June 8. The final list will be issued on June 19, and land distribution will commence from June 30.
In case of multiple applicants for a single plot, allocation will be made through balloting. The land will strictly be used for agricultural purposes, and permanent construction will not be permitted. Each plot will be supervised by an agriculture officer and an agricultural internee. A committee comprising Assistant Commissioners and officials from the Agriculture Department will conduct biannual inspections to review cultivation activities.
Officials further stated that farmers will have the freedom to grow crops of their choice under the scheme.
Separately, renowned British-Pakistani cardiologist Dr Hasnat Khan called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif who congratulated him on assuming charge of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology. The chief minister appreciated Dr Hasnat Khan’s decision to return from England to serve his fellow countrymen and paid tribute to his spirit of public service. During the meeting, matters relating to administrative affairs of the newly constructed Jinnah Institute of Cardiology were discussed.
CM Punjab reaffirmed her resolve to develop the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology into a state-of-the-art institution. “It is heartening that a son of the soil has chosen to serve his underprivileged compatriots,” she said.
The chief minister further stated that efforts were underway to provide the best possible treatment facilities for heart diseases to every citizen, not only in Punjab but across Pakistan. She added that the government aims to transform Punjab into a global hub for medical tourism. Moreover, Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to writers, publishers, booksellers and readers on World Book Day. In her message issued on the occasion, the chief minister said that the significance of books has neither diminished nor will it diminish in the digital age. She said that the intellectual development of individuals, awareness and the formation of a civilised society are indebted to books.
She added that the habit of reading enlightens consciousness and sharpens understanding. She said the provincial government seeks to steer the youth towards book reading in order to promote positive and constructive thinking. She further added that the Punjab government is introducing a “mobile library” initiative for the first time. Books, she said, acquaint readers with diverse ideas, cultures and experiences, while also promoting tolerance, dialogue and harmony. The chief minister also remarked that she is fond of reading and picks up a book whenever she finds time.