“Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” to transform Cholistan’s barren land: Commissioner

BAHAWALPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2026) Under the government of Punjab’s “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” (Own Farm, Own Livelihood) program, vast barren lands of Cholistan are being converted into cultivable fields to create dignified employment opportunities for

local communities.

The initiative is expected to prove a milestone in the region’s economic development.

This was stated by Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia during a briefing given by the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) Bahawalpur.

Officials informed the commissioner that more than 76,000 acres of state land have been allocated for the project, where 15,390 plots will be developed. Of this, over 37,000 acres in Yazman Tehsil and more than 39,500 acres in Fort Abbas (Cholistan) have been earmarked for the scheme. Fertile “A-class” agricultural land in various villages and settlements has also been included in the project.

The briefing further revealed that a total of 1,897 plots (up to five acres each) have been allocated across Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan. Additionally, land records of over 84,000 acres have been fully digitized to ensure transparency and efficient management.

Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia termed the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” program a revolutionary initiative of the Punjab government, aimed not only at providing employment to jobless individuals but also at boosting agricultural productivity. He highlighted that all relevant data for transparent land distribution has been uploaded on an online portal, ensuring fairness in the allocation process. The Commissioner added that the project will significantly contribute to agricultural growth by bringing Cholistan’s barren lands under cultivation, ultimately improving the socio-economic conditions and standard of living of local residents.