Under the supervision of Farid Iqbal, ETPB's revenue is expected to exceed Rs 6,000 million in the current fiscal year.

Under the supervision of Farid Iqbal, ETPB's revenue is expected to exceed Rs 6,000 million in the current fiscal year.

Lahore, April 21, Ali Imran Chattha

The Federal Government has delegated additional powers to the Secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Farid Iqbal, to supervise administrative affairs more effectively. In recognition of his exceptional performance, commitment to institutional reform, and dedication to public service, the government has also entrusted him with limited additional responsibilities of the Chairman to handle pending administrative matters.

The Secretary Farid Iqbal has taken bold and strategic initiatives to transform the ETPB into a more transparent, efficient, and service-oriented institution. He introduced modern digital systems, enforced strict accountability mechanisms, and led from the front in recovering encroached trust lands. His hands-on approach and personal monitoring of field operations have resulted in the recovery of 6,367 acres of trust land worth Rs 43,279 million, reclaiming valuable national assets from powerful encroachment mafias.

In the fiscal year 2022–23, the department recorded an income of Rs 3,420 million, which surged to Rs 4,725 million in 2023–24, marking an impressive increase of Rs 1,305 million. Within the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2024–25, income has already touched Rs 4,232 million, with projections exceeding Rs 6,000 million by year-end—a testament to the Secretary’s revenue-focused strategy and institutional discipline.

He introduced a mobile-based monitoring application to track daily performance of district offices, ensuring timely responses and improved governance. Through strict enforcement against rent defaulters, and a complete re-evaluation of property rent values, ETPB is set to increase rental income by 458%, aligning it with market standards—something never achieved before.

Farid Iqbal also played a pivotal role in overhauling old policies by initiating new land-use schemes and pushing for amendments in the outdated service rules that hindered employee efficiency. His engagement with the Federal Government led to the release of over millions of rupees in development funds for the restoration, beautification, and safeguarding of religious sites of minorities, including historic gurdwaras, mandirs, and temples.

A strong proponent of interfaith harmony and religious tourism, Secretary Farid Iqbal ensured high-standard hospitality arrangements for Sikh yatrees (pilgrims) visiting Pakistan. Under his supervision, pilgrims were provided with quality food, secure lodging, transportation, health facilities, and tight security protocols, creating a spiritually enriching and peaceful environment.

These arrangements were especially visible during the 326th Khalsa Janam Divas and Vaisakhi Mela 2025, where ETPB, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, organized large-scale events at various shrines. These included decorated venues, medical camps, cultural exhibitions, langar services, and multilingual guidance desks, all of which were praised by international guests.

The event coincided with Vaisakhi, during which Sikh pilgrims extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the ETPB for preserving their sacred heritage and allowing access to holy sites including the fields of Guru Nanak Dev Maharaj. Special appreciation was expressed for the Project Management Unit Kartarpur for their seamless arrangements.

The Secretary’s relentless struggle to uplift the ETPB has earned him not only recognition at the federal level but also widespread support from the Board’s employees, who appreciated the government’s decision to empower him as the acting head. His efforts reflect a clear vision: to transform ETPB into a model institution for heritage preservation, minority rights, and public trust management.

Pilgrims further praised the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements made for the Vaisakhi celebrations and the birth anniversary of Khalsa janam Din. Special commendation was given to the Project Management Unit Kartarpur for ensuring a smooth, memorable, and spiritually enriching experience throughout their visit.

Special arrangements were made across various shrines and gurdwaras for the 326th Khalsa Janam Din and Vaisakhi Mela 2025, including well-coordinated transportation, medical assistance, langar services, decorated venues, cultural activities, and multilingual help desks. The ETPB, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, ensured that all events were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the pilgrims’ religious traditions.

The board's employees have welcomed the federal government’s decision to delegate the Additional powers to the Secretary and expressed full confidence in his leadership and vision.