In a major move to ease housing shortages and promote social welfare, the Punjab government has assigned Rs42.013 billion for its landmark housing scheme, ‘Apni Chat Apna Ghar’. This is the largest amount ever set aside by the province for interest-free housing support.
The funds, provided through the Annual Development Programme 2025–26, have been handed over to the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) to further expand the project under the urban development portfolio.
This step came after a proposal from the Housing, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering Department, which highlighted the growing demand for the scheme.
Launched in August 2024, the program offers interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to people who own land and want to build their own homes.
So far, over 51,900 families have been assisted. Of these, 6,160 homes have already been built, while construction is ongoing for another 45,163 units across Punjab.
At a recent progress review meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urged all relevant departments to speed up the loan process and ensure that deserving families receive support without delays.
“This initiative goes beyond building homes, it’s about reinstating dignity and providing stability to people who have lived with uncertainty for too long,” said CM Maryam Nawaz.
“Each house built is a symbol of the government’s commitment and a step toward fulfilling Quaid Nawaz Sharif’s vision of inclusive development.”
Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal informed the meeting that the entire application process is being made easier and digitalized, and that the scheme is open to applicants from all parts of Punjab.
He said the main focus is on those who never had access to loans before, such as labourers, widows, gardeners, small vendors, shopkeepers, and others with low incomes.
So far, more than Rs60.5 billion has already been distributed under the scheme, and the latest Rs42 billion release is expected to significantly widen its reach.
Calling it “a fresh start” for the underprivileged, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “When a poor family finally gets a home of their own, it’s not just a personal victory, it’s the state fulfilling its duty. Politics now means service, not slogans.”
With this latest funding, the Punjab government has once again shown its commitment to citizen-focused governance.
As the ‘Apni Chat Apna Ghar’ scheme continues to grow, it is fast becoming a sign of hope and change, helping thousands achieve the dream of owning a home and building a more secure future.