Business Recorder
LAHORE: Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari has announced that there will be no “no-go areas” in Punjab, stating that the Kacha Area will now be fully transformed into a developed and secure region. She said that, after 76 years, the writ of the state has been firmly established in these areas and the era of dacoits has been brought to an end. She revealed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a major development package worth Rs 23 billion for the uplift of the Kacha Area. Under this initiative, 14,500 acres of government land will be provided free of cost to local farmers for cultivation, enabling them to become self-reliant under the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” programme. The comprehensive development plan included the establishment of new schools and colleges, upgradation of existing educational institutions, 300 merit-based scholarships, and a special quota of free laptops for students, she said, adding: “Additionally, 1,000 livestock cards will be issued to support women through financial assistance for livestock farming, alongside skill development programmes.” Azma Bokhari further stated that all ongoing schemes of the chief minister have now been extended to include the Kacha Area. The NADRA mobile teams are actively working in the region to issue CNICs and B-Forms, ensuring that residents can fully benefit from government initiatives, she added. To ensure long-term peace and security, the region will now be monitored through modern drones, advanced weapons, thermal imaging systems, and digital surveillance under the Safe City programme. She emphasised that no criminal or anti-state element will be allowed to re-establish a presence in the area. The minister also announced special concessions for local youth in police recruitment, including relaxation in height and chest requirements, to maximize employment opportunities for residents of the area. She shared that in three districts of the Kacha Area, the allocated 14,500 acres of land will be distributed free of cost to local cultivators. However, cultivation of crops such as sugarcane and other dense crops will remain restricted in certain areas, as these had previously provided cover for criminal elements. Infrastructure development will include the construction of roads, bridges, and model villages, bringing long-neglected regions into the development mainstream. For the first time in 76 years, NADRA mobile registration services have been deployed, enabling residents to obtain identity documentation, she added. Highlighting security achievements, she credited Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for clearing the Kacha Area of dacoits and terrorists. Police are being equipped with high-tech drones capable of detecting hidden militants even within crop fields, along with armoured vehicles to strengthen operational capacity. Responding to questions, she said that strict monitoring mechanisms are in place and a large number of criminals have already surrendered. The Safe City network is being expanded to cover these areas, enabling real-time digital surveillance of movement. Similar systems are also operational in border districts like Mianwali and Khushab, she said. Azma Bokhari stressed that merit will remain the cornerstone of the initiative. The allocated land is strictly for landless farmers who have suffered for generations, and no political recommendation or affiliation will be entertained. Alternative registration mechanisms will also be provided in areas lacking internet access, she said. The development plan has been divided into two segments: floodplain and outer areas, with the Irrigation Department tasked with floodplain restoration. She added that if required, even Rs 230 billion will be arranged to ensure the complete development of the Kacha Area. Furthermore, the Chief Minister has approved a hardship allowance for all police personnel deployed in these challenging areas, extending beyond senior officers to include all ranks, Azma said. Concluding, the minister criticised the spread of misinformation and propaganda through digital platforms, stating that certain elements are attempting to create unrest through false campaigns, often from overseas. She emphasised the need for responsible use of digital media, urging stakeholders to avoid spreading baseless information. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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