Business Recorder
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a historic development package worth Rs23 billion for the katcha areas, aimed at improving infrastructure, security and socio-economic conditions. The chief minister also announced the launch of the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative and directed that 14,500 acres of state land be allotted to residents of the katcha belt. She further ordered the initiation of NADRA registration services in the area, along with the deployment of transport facilities, mobile clinics, mobile veterinary hospitals and laboratories. According to the plan, Rs7.1 billion will be spent on law and order, Rs13.9 billion on social infrastructure, and Rs1.7 billion on other sectors. A total of 108-kilometres of soling and 27 road schemes spanning 144 kilometres will be completed. Additionally, 65 schools will be upgraded, 16 new schools established and two girls’ colleges constructed. For the first time, modern solar-powered drone surveillance has been introduced in the katcha areas. Safe City monitoring will also be implemented at police stations and check-posts, while advanced armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and police vehicles will be equipped with surveillance cameras. The chief minister approved the launch of a model village project in the katcha belt, along with skills development programmes worth Rs125 million. She also approved a hard area allowance for personnel performing duties in the region and imposed a ban on cultivating tall crops along main roads for security purposes. During a meeting chaired by the chief minister, development and law and order in the area was reviewed. It was noted that no untoward incident had occurred in the past five months, marking a significant improvement in the state’s writ. The briefing further highlighted that 6,551 female students will receive school meal packs, 300 students will be awarded Honhaar scholarships and another 300 will be provided laptops. Sewerage, drainage and sports projects will also be undertaken. The chief minister also approved a plan for the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons, with digital monitoring at police stations and compensation based on the value of surrendered arms. “Development and prosperity are the right of every individual in the katcha areas, just like the rest of Punjab. We will transform the region into a safe, developed and model area,” the chief minister said, adding that the people of the katcha belt would now have access to dignified employment and improved living standards. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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