LAHORE (May 1, 2026) — Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled a sweeping Rs23 billion development package for the Katcha areas of Punjab, aiming to transform the formerly volatile region through massive infrastructure and security investments. Following successful operations to clear the belt of criminal elements, the Chief Minister announced that 14,500 acres of state land will be distributed to local farmers under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme. The initiative seeks to establish the state’s writ permanently by integrating these long-neglected areas into the provincial development mainstream.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced development projects worth 23 billion rupees for the Kacha area.
Under the “Own Field, Own Employment” programme, locals will receive agricultural jobs, and 14,500 acres of government land have been approved for allocation… pic.twitter.com/e0AxvYVokP
— The Pakistan Daily (@ThePakDaily) April 30, 2026
Quick Facts
- A total of Rs23 billion has been allocated: Rs7.1 billion for law and order and Rs13.9 billion for social infrastructure.
- 14,500 acres of government land will be provided free of cost to local farmers to promote self-reliance.
- The plan includes the construction of 144km of roads, 27 road schemes, and the establishment of two new girls’ colleges.
- High-tech security measures, including solar-powered drone surveillance and camera-equipped APCs, will be deployed.
- Special incentives for locals include merit-based scholarships, laptop quotas, and relaxed physical requirements for police recruitment.
The comprehensive uplift strategy focuses heavily on improving essential service delivery in the riverine belt. For the first time, residents will have access to localized Nadra services, mobile health clinics, and veterinary hospitals. Educational reforms are a central pillar of the plan, with 65 schools set for upgrades and 16 new institutions being established to boost literacy in the region. To support the rural economy, the government will also issue 1,000 livestock cards specifically to assist women in livestock farming.
Security remains a top priority to prevent the regrouping of criminal gangs. The Chief Minister approved a “hard area allowance” for police personnel stationed in the Katcha regions and introduced real-time digital surveillance via the Punjab Safe Cities Authority network. In a tactical move to improve visibility and safety, the government has imposed a ban on the cultivation of tall crops along main roads.
Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari emphasized that these measures signal the end of “no-go areas” in Punjab. By combining hard security with socioeconomic incentives—such as skills development programs worth Rs125 million and local employment quotas—the government intends to ensure that the Katcha belt remains a secure and productive part of the province. Similar surveillance and development models are already being scaled in other border districts like Mianwali and Khushab.
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