Punjab Province

Lahore | Rana Awais ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has launched the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” scheme aimed at economically empowering landless and underprivileged individuals by leasing state owned agricultural land for a period of 10 years. An official notification regarding the scheme was issued on April 16, 2026.
The initiative seeks to reduce poverty, promote agricultural development, and create employment opportunities for unemployed individuals across the province. According to officials, land allotment will be carried out through a transparent computerized balloting process.
Eligibility criteria state that applicants must be landless or own no more than a 10 marla residential plot. Applicants must also be permanent residents of the same revenue estate, verified through their CNIC address. Only one applicant per family is allowed, while government employees and individuals who have previously benefited from any government scheme are not eligible.
Under the scheme, up to 5 acres of land will be allocated per applicant at a nominal annual rent of Rs. 100 per acre. The land will strictly be used for agricultural purposes, and no permanent construction will be permitted. Ownership will remain with the government, and leaseholders will not have ownership rights, nor will they be allowed to transfer or mortgage the land.
Applications can be submitted online via the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA) website or at the office of the relevant Assistant Commissioner once the schedule is announced. Lists of successful applicants will be displayed on the website and at the Assistant Commissioner’s office.
Successful applicants must pay the first year’s rent within 30 days of taking possession, with subsequent payments due annually by January 15. Failure to begin cultivation within one year may result in lease cancellation. Additionally, monitoring committees will conduct inspections twice a year.
At the end of the lease period, the land must be returned to the government without any compensation for constructions made on it, although leaseholders may remove any structures built at their own expense.
Applicants whose requests are rejected may file an appeal with the Collector within seven days, while any disputes during the lease period can be taken to the Divisional Commissioner within 30 days.
The government will also provide special development grants to successful applicants to support agricultural activities. Authorities have warned that providing false information or violating the terms of the lease may lead to immediate cancellation.
The public has been advised to apply through the PLRA website or contact their respective Assistant Commissioner’s office in a timely manner to benefit from the scheme.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has revived the long delayed M12 Motorway project, declaring it a priority initiative to enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth.
The motorway will link Sambrial, currently the endpoint of the Lahore/ Sialkot Motorway with Kharian, creating a vital connection within the country’s North South Motorway Network. The project is being advanced through coordinated efforts involving the Public Private Partnership Authority, National Highway Authority (NHA), and the Ministry of Communications.
According to an official update, the six lane motorway is expected to significantly reduce travel time on key routes while improving the movement of both commuters and commercial transport.
Officials say the project will play a crucial role in strengthening trade and logistics by connecting industrial hubs with major population centers. The improved infrastructure is also expected to support local businesses and stimulate broader economic activity across the region.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed her commitment to transforming barren lands across the province into productive economic zones under the government’s ‘Blue Economy Programme.’
Reviewing progress on shrimp farming projects, the chief minister expressed satisfaction over the pace of development in Sargodha Estate, Ali Wala and Shah Garh, and appreciated the teams for accelerating work.
In Sargodha, major milestones have been achieved, including the excavation of 118 ponds, installation of 116 tube wells, and completion of land clearing and surveys across 365 acres. Construction of a warehouse is nearing completion, while work on the administration block and feed store is progressing steadily. The overall project covers 500 acres.
At the Ali Wala shrimp estate, 90 percent of the allocated 1,267 acres has been cleared. Out of 737 ponds, 642 have been excavated, while drainage infrastructure is 91 percent complete. MDC drains have been fully developed, alongside a 9 kilometre road network. Earth filling work has reached 80 percent, and foundations for key facilities, including offices, hostels, warehouses and labour residences, have been laid.
Meanwhile, the Shah Garh shrimp farm has also recorded substantial progress, with 90 percent of water supply systems completed, electrification at 95 percent, and access road construction at 97 percent. Technical experts have submitted their reports, confirming the viability of the projects.
The chief minister highlighted that promoting aquaculture and shrimp farming in line with international standards would not only rehabilitate unused land but also generate employment and enhance export potential.
She noted that the Blue Economy Programme represents the first government-backed initiative in Punjab to introduce a modern, scientific approach to shrimp farming.
Experts involved in the project have found local water temperatures suitable for cultivation, while ongoing feeding and supplement practices are yielding encouraging results in both quality and output.
Maryam Nawaz reiterated that the initiative would play a key role in positioning Punjab as a leading hub for aquaculture in the region.