CM Maryam unveils ‘historic’ Rs23b Katcha revival plan to cement state writ

• Punjab CM alos launches ‘Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar’ initiative for riverine belt uplift

• Says will transform region into a safe, developed and model area, highlighting Rs7.1b earmarked for security, Rs13.9b for social infrastructure

• Says solar-powered drones and Safe City Authority surveillance to be rolled out to strengthen law and order

• 65 schools to be upgraded, 16 new schools and two girls’ colleges approved

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday announced a “historic” Rs23 billion development package and the launch of the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative for the Katcha areas, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving security and uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the riverine belt, according to a DGPR handout.

“Development and prosperity are the right of every individual in the Katcha areas, just as they are for the rest of Punjab. We will transform the region into a safe, developed and model area,” the chief minister said while chairing a meeting to review law and order and the development strategy for the Katcha belt, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

"وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف کا کچہ ایریا میں 23ارب روپے کے ڈویلپمنٹ پراجیکٹس کا اعلان"

🔹وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا کچہ ایریا میں ”اپنا کھیت، اپنا روزگار“ شروع کرنے کا اعلان

🔹وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف کا14 ہزار 500ایکڑ سرکاری اراضی کچہ کے لوگوں کو دینے کا حکم

🔹پہلی مرتبہ… pic.twitter.com/ade2YIaVuZ

— PMLN (@pmln_org) April 30, 2026

She said the people of the Katcha belt would now gain access to dignified employment opportunities and improved living standards under a comprehensive development roadmap.

Highlighting the key features of the package, CM Maryam Nawaz said that under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative, 14,500 acres of state land would be allotted to residents of the Katcha belt to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance.

کچہ ایریا میں 23 ارب روپے کے ڈویلپمنٹ پراجیکٹس!

وزیر اعلیٰ مریم نواز کا کچہ ایریا میں "اپنا کھیت، اپنا روز گار" شروع کرنے کا اعلان۔

ٹرانسپورٹ کلینک آن وہیلز بھیجنے کا حکم ، موبائل وٹرنری ہسپتال، لیب مہیا کی جائیگی۔ pic.twitter.com/oOtQRcxfqp

— PMLN (@pmln_org) April 30, 2026

She also directed the immediate launch of National Database and Registration Authority registration services in the area, alongside the deployment of transport facilities, mobile clinics, mobile veterinary hospitals and laboratories to improve access to essential services.

Under the approved plan, Rs7.1 billion will be allocated for law and order, Rs13.9 billion for social infrastructure and Rs1.7 billion for other sectors.

The package includes the completion of 108 kilometres of soling and 27 road schemes covering 144 kilometres to improve connectivity in the long-neglected region.

In the education sector, 65 schools will be upgraded, 16 new schools established and two girls’ colleges constructed to expand access to quality education.

For the first time, modern solar-powered drone surveillance has been introduced in the Katcha belt to enhance security operations. Safe City monitoring will also be implemented at police stations and check-posts, while advanced armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and police vehicles will be fitted with surveillance cameras.

کچہ کے عوام کیلئے وزیر اعلی مریم نواز کا بے مثال ترقیاتی پیکیج pic.twitter.com/OZ6hY4Z5q3

— PMLN (@pmln_org) April 30, 2026

The chief minister also approved the launch of a model village project in the Katcha areas, along with skill development programmes worth Rs125 million aimed at creating employment opportunities for local residents.

She approved a hard-area allowance for personnel performing duties in the region and imposed a ban on the cultivation of tall crops along main roads for security reasons, as such crops can provide cover to criminal elements.

During the meeting, officials informed the chief minister that no untoward incident had been reported in the Katcha belt over the past five months, reflecting a marked improvement in law and order and the restoration of the state’s writ.

The briefing further revealed that 6,551 female students would receive school meal packs, 300 students would be awarded Honhaar scholarships and another 300 students would be provided laptops as part of the government’s education support programme.

The package also includes sewerage, drainage and sports development projects to improve civic infrastructure and community facilities.

The chief minister further approved a plan for the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons, under which digital monitoring would be introduced at police stations and compensation provided according to the value of surrendered arms.

Separately, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the death of four people in a house roof collapse in Chiniot.

In a statement, she extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, prayed for the departed souls and directed the authorities concerned to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.