DERA GHAZI KHAN: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated electric bus service in Rajanpur and announced a major land distribution initiative for the landless families under “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” programme.

The chief minister stated that 250,000 acres of land would be allotted free of cost to unemployed and low-income families, with each eligible family receiving three to five acres. Additionally, farmers under this scheme will be provided “Kisan Cards” to access fertilisers, pesticides, and seeds.

During her address, she asserted that Rajanpur is shedding its backward status, with development projects transforming the region, adding that the world-class electric buses offer modern facilities to the passengers. She said the bus service is free for students, women, the elderly, and special persons, while others pay a nominal fare of Rs20.

The e-bus routes include a 22-kilometre stretch between Fazilpur and Rajanpur and an 18-kilometre route linking Kot Mithan with Rajanpur.

Land distribution scheme announced

Mentioning the infrastructure upgrades in Rajanpur, she said 72 roads were constructed at a cost of Rs12 billion, with plans to pave all remaining roads soon.

The CM said across Punjab, 2,600 modern bus stands are being built, and the green bus fleet will be expanded from 500 to over 3,000 buses within the year. The government also plans to establish centres of excellence in every tehsil and set up cath labs in 20 cities, including Rajanpur, to provide advanced cardiac care locally.

She also mentioned the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” project under which 170,000 houses are slated for completion this year and the Suthra Punjab programme, highlighting the presence of sanitary workers and machinery in areas like Fatahpur.

She also outlined social welfare initiatives, including Himmat Card, Kisan Card, Minority Card, and Ration Card, which provide financial aid and essentials.

Criticising the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, Ms Nawaz referred to an incident where CM Sohail Afridi faced student queries about development disparities, contrasting this with Punjab’s progress.

Provincial Minister for Mines Sher Ali Gorchani thanked the chief minister for launching initiatives like Suthra Punjab in the region, improved law and order and recruitment in the Border Military Police (BMP).

Earlier, Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan briefs the ceremony about the electric bus project.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2026