A Landmark Step in Affordable Housing
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially launched the new phase of the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” (Your Roof, Your Home) housing scheme. The initiative, which targets low-income and working-class families, is being hailed as the largest residential welfare program in the province’s history.
Speaking at a dedicated housing distribution ceremony in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz announced that 100,000 homes will be completed by the end of this year. This ambitious goal forms part of a larger five-year vision to provide 500,000 affordable homes across Punjab.
Record-Breaking Progress in Just Six Months
In a significant milestone, the Chief Minister revealed that 62,500 homes have already been completed within just six months of the scheme’s launch. She described this as a record-breaking achievement in Pakistan’s housing sector.
Under the program, interest-free loans worth more than PKR 74 billion (approximately USD 250 million) have been distributed. These loans are being provided for the construction or purchase of homes ranging from 5 to 10 marlas (roughly 1,360 to 2,720 square feet). Over the past seven months, more than 64,000 individuals have benefited from these interest-free loans.
Long-Term Installment Plans to Ease Financial Pressure
One of the key features of the initiative is its accessible repayment structure. Each loan recipient is granted a nine-year repayment period, enabling beneficiaries to pay back the amount in easy monthly installments. The aim is to reduce financial stress and ensure that even daily wage workers can become homeowners.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that transparency and merit are central to the scheme’s success. “Not a single person has complained about favoritism or political influence,” she stated, noting that all loans are being issued strictly on merit. “This scheme is a real ray of hope for the common Pakistani,” she added.
Thousands of Homes Under Construction
Currently, 45,000 homes are under construction, and 9,000 have already been handed over to beneficiaries. By the end of August, the number of loan recipients is expected to cross 75,000. The five-year plan, if successfully implemented, will make a significant dent in Punjab’s housing shortage, offering relief to thousands of families living in inadequate or rented accommodation.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the country faces a housing deficit of over 10 million units, with Punjab accounting for a substantial share. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and lack of affordable financing options have made home ownership unattainable for many. This scheme aims to bridge that gap.
Stories of Pride and Ownership
Maryam Nawaz became emotional while recounting personal stories from beneficiaries. She spoke about a laborer who shared that his wife and children helped him build their new home. “He now proudly says, this is my house,” she said, highlighting how the scheme is transforming not just housing conditions but also dignity and self-worth.
“The same workers who once laid bricks for others’ homes are now laying the foundation of their own,” she added.
Legacy and Leadership
During her speech, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, for initiating the scheme. “He personally handed out the first checks. I pray that God grants him the resources and strength to continue serving the people of Punjab,” she said.
Looking Ahead
The “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” scheme is part of a broader social welfare agenda introduced under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. It not only addresses housing shortages but also promotes economic uplift through job creation in construction and related industries.
With sustained government support and strict adherence to merit and transparency, the scheme could serve as a model for other provinces and even countries facing similar housing challenges.
If fully realized, the project promises to change the lives of half a million families, giving them more than just shelter—giving them ownership, security, and hope.
