LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday 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 plan, 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 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. acre will be provided to support land cultivation. Under the scheme, unemployed farmers in rural areas will be given agricultural land on 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 18. Candidates will have the option to file appeals with deputy commissioners between June 1 and 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 state that farmers will have the freedom to grow crops of their choice under the scheme.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz met renowned British-born Pakistani doctor Hasnat Khan to discuss administrative matters of the newly constructed Jinnah Institute of Cardiology (JIC), Lahore.
She congratulated him on assuming responsibilities at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology and praised his spirit of coming from England to Pakistan to serve his compatriots. She reaffirmed her commitment to making the institute exemplary. She said it is heartening to note that a son of this blessed land has chosen a path of serving his own countrymen. She said they are striving to provide the best heart treatment facilities not only to every person in Punjab but across Pakistan. She wished to make Punjab a hub of medical tourism in the world.
Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said the Punjab government has appointed internationally renowned surgeon and cardiologist Dr Hasnat Khan as dean of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, Lahore.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has appointed Dr Hasnat in accordance with the rules and regulations and after the recommendations of the JIC Board of Directors. The Punjab government is striving to provide international standard health facilities to heart disease patients. Dr Hasnat applied after the advertisement given by the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education for the appointment of dean. Maryam also met Dr Hasnat after the appointment.
Secretary Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Azmat Mahmood said the appointment of the best HR is being ensured for new hospitals in Punjab. Dr Hasnat will be very helpful in providing the best and quality medical facilities to patients. He said criteria are followed for appointment to every post for any institution.
