The Punjab government has announced a major housing initiative aimed at improving the safety and living conditions of families residing in structurally weak homes. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar programme under the existing Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar initiative, introducing interest-free loans for repairing unsafe houses and constructing additional storeys.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz following concerns over recent incidents involving unsafe residential structures, including the tragic roof collapse in Kahna. The new programme seeks to reduce such risks by providing financial support to homeowners for strengthening and renovating vulnerable buildings across Punjab.
Interest-Free Loans for Home Repairs
Under the newly approved scheme, families living in homes with weak roofs or deteriorating structures will be eligible for interest-free loans of Rs500,000. These funds will be used for repairing, reinforcing, and improving the structural safety of existing homes.
In addition, the government will provide interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million, distributed in instalments, to eligible families wishing to construct an additional storey on their homes. The initiative aims to improve housing capacity while ensuring buildings remain safe and durable.
Progress of Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Programme
Officials informed the meeting that the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme has already made significant progress across Punjab.
According to the briefing:
- More than 180,000 homeless families have been approved for interest-free housing loans.
- Around 170,000 families have already received loan disbursements.
- The Punjab government has released Rs217.8 billion under the programme.
- Approximately 27,500 houses are currently in the final stages of construction.
- A total of 134,343 houses have already been completed across the province.
- More than 1.278 million applications have been submitted by homeless families seeking assistance.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to release the second loan instalment within three days and instructed relevant departments to simplify the housing loan application process, making it easier for deserving citizens to access financial support.
Additional Support for Plot Recipients
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar programme. Officials reported that 2,000 residential plots have already been distributed across 23 districts to homeless families.
The Chief Minister announced that every family receiving a free government plot would also be eligible for construction loans to help build safe and secure homes.
She reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to assisting families living in weak and unsafe housing by improving their living standards through affordable financing and housing support.
Housing Projects Remain Government Priority
Maryam Nawaz described the province’s housing programmes as flagship initiatives of the Punjab government. She emphasized that negligence or unnecessary delays in implementation would not be tolerated and directed authorities to maintain transparency throughout the programme.
She also instructed officials not to alter the existing eligibility criteria or application procedures for obtaining housing loans, ensuring equal access for deserving families.
Discussion on Legislative Affairs
In a separate meeting, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan met with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to discuss legislative coordination and prison reform initiatives.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation between the treasury and opposition benches to improve legislative proceedings. During the meeting, the Speaker also congratulated the Chief Minister on the successful balloting conducted under the Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar programme for landless farmers.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that the initiative has created land ownership and employment opportunities for approximately 30,000 families. She added that the Punjab government’s future development strategy will focus on underdeveloped regions through improved transport services, including electric buses, and the introduction of modern agricultural machinery.
The newly announced housing safety loan scheme is expected to provide thousands of vulnerable families with financial assistance to strengthen their homes, reduce structural risks, and improve overall living conditions throughout Punjab.
