Punjab disburses Rs191 billion under Apni Chat Apna Ghar housing scheme

The government of Punjab has distributed over Rs191 billion in interest-free loans under the Apni Chat Apna Ghar housing scheme, aimed at supporting low-income families in building their own homes, Provincial Housing Minister Bilal Yasin said.

According to the Punjab Housing Department, more than 135,410 families across the province have so far benefited from the programme. The initiative provides interest-free financial assistance to help eligible citizens construct residential houses.

Minister Bilal Yasin stated that the completion of over 91,000 houses marks a significant milestone, describing it as a record achievement in public housing delivery. He added that around 42,000 houses currently under construction are expected to be completed within the ongoing financial year.

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During a meeting with Sikandar Zeeshan, Director General of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency, the minister highlighted that recoveries exceeding Rs10 billion in loan instalments reflect transparency and accountability in the scheme’s implementation.

Officials reported that the programme has received an overwhelming response, with more than 1.176 million applications submitted for housing loans. The scheme is designed to ease the burden of rising construction costs and improve access to affordable housing for lower-income groups.

The initiative was originally expanded in 2024 when Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a broader plan to construct 100,000 houses for economically weaker segments of society. The plan includes a district-level allocation, under which thousands of houses are to be built in each district.

Authorities say the programme is part of a wider effort to address housing shortages and improve living standards across the province. The government has also emphasised that continued monitoring and financial oversight will ensure timely completion and fair distribution of resources. The scheme is being seen as one of the largest public housing initiatives in recent years in Punjab, focusing on long-term social welfare and urban development.