Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled the ‘Apna Ghar Apni Chhat’ housing scheme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing interest-free loans to low-income families across the province. The scheme, designed to promote home ownership, targets both urban and rural residents.
During the inauguration ceremony held in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the critical importance of home ownership, stating, “There’s no place like home.” She highlighted how those without a roof over their heads truly understand the value of a home, often taken for granted by those who already have one.
The scheme offers interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to individuals owning 1 to 5 marlas of land in urban areas or 1 to 10 marlas in rural areas. Loan repayments will commence after a three-month grace period, with a maximum monthly installment of Rs14,000.
Maryam Nawaz reiterated her administration’s dedication to easing the financial burdens of Punjab’s residents, following the recent announcement of a Rs14-per-unit reduction in electricity bills for consumers using between 200 and 500 units monthly. This electricity subsidy, set for August and September, has caused discontent among coalition allies, particularly in the PPP-led Sindh government, as it is exclusively available to Punjab residents.
The Chief Minister clarified that the ‘Apna Ghar Apni Chhat’ scheme was designed without involving banks, ensuring transparency and simplicity for beneficiaries. “We wanted to avoid any additional financial burdens on the people,” she stated.
Applications for the scheme can be submitted through the Punjab Information Technology Board’s online portal or via a dedicated helpline. The initiative will soon expand to cover all major cities in Punjab, with the ultimate goal of providing every deserving family with a home.
The new houses will feature two bedrooms, a TV lounge, a bathroom, and a kitchen, ensuring dignity for families with limited means. Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s commitment to extending this housing scheme across the province within the next five years, stating, “Even the poor have self-respect, and we need to get this right because you only build a house once.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Punjab government to address the needs of low-income families, following closely on the heels of the electricity subsidy, as Maryam Nawaz continues to focus on providing tangible relief to the people of Punjab.
