CM Maryam eyes world-class cardiac care, unveils Rs160b farm ‘lifeline’

• Punjab CM backs Dr Hasnat Khan to lead Jinnah Cardiology Institute, lauds his return to serve Pakistan

• Vows state-of-the-art upgrade, push for medical tourism hub

• Unveils ‘Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar’ to distribute land to over 189,000 families as Rs160bn scheme targets rural uplift

  LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday reaffirmed her government’s resolve to develop the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, as she welcomed renowned British-Pakistani cardiologist Dr Hasnat Khan on assuming charge of the institute, according to a DGPR handout.

Dr Khan called on the chief minister and discussed his new assignment as head of the Lahore-based cardiac facility. The chief minister lauded his decision to return from England to serve in Pakistan, paying tribute to what she described as his spirit of public service. Administrative matters relating to the newly constructed institute also came under discussion, said a press release issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Reiterating her commitment, the chief minister said the government was determined to transform the institute into a modern centre of excellence. “It is heartening that a son of the soil has chosen to serve his underprivileged compatriots,” she remarked, adding that efforts were underway to ensure access to quality cardiac care not only in Punjab but across Pakistan. She also underscored the government’s ambition to position Punjab as a global hub for medical tourism.

‘APNI ZAMEEN… APNI MEHNAT, APNI FASAL… APNA ROZGAR’ INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

Separately, the chief minister inaugurated the digital portal for a major agricultural uplift initiative titled “Apni Zameen… Apni Mehnat, Apni Fasal… Apna Rozgar.”

Under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar Scheme,” agricultural land worth approximately Rs160 billion will be distributed among landless rural residents to boost productivity and economic growth across the province.

According to a briefing by Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, land allocation will be based on water availability and soil fertility. A total of 13,812 agricultural plots across districts will benefit 88,780 families, while in Cholistan, 16,685 plots will be allotted to 101,111 families.

Each successful applicant will receive land valued between Rs2.5 million and Rs4 million for cultivation, along with a one-time development grant ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs250,000 per acre.

The scheme envisages providing land on a 10-year lease to unemployed rural farmers. Authorities have identified 43,938 areas in districts and 83,425 in Cholistan, taking irrigation and soil conditions into account.

Applications can be submitted online from May 2 to May 18. Appeals may be filed with the Deputy Commissioner between June 1 and June 8, while the final list will be issued on June 19. Distribution of land is set to begin from June 30.

In cases of multiple applicants for a single plot, allocation will be decided through balloting. The land will be used strictly for agricultural purposes, with no permanent construction allowed.

Each plot will be supervised by an agriculture officer and an internee, while a committee comprising assistant commissioners and agriculture department officials will conduct biannual inspections. Farmers will be free to grow crops of their choice under the scheme.

In a related development, the chief minister paid tribute to writers, publishers, booksellers and readers on World Book Day.

In her message, she said the importance of books remains undiminished in the digital age, noting that intellectual growth, awareness and the evolution of a civilised society are deeply rooted in reading. She added that cultivating reading habits enhances understanding and promotes constructive thinking among youth.

She also announced that the provincial government is introducing a “mobile library” initiative for the first time to encourage reading culture. Highlighting the broader value of literature, she said books foster exposure to diverse ideas, cultures and experiences while promoting tolerance, dialogue and harmony.

The chief minister also shared that she is personally fond of reading and turns to books whenever time permits.