Lahore: In a significant development, Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, convened with Dr. Amjad Saqib, the founder and chairman of Akhuwat, to discuss various social initiatives and housing projects aimed at benefiting the low-income residents of Punjab. During the meeting, CM Sharif unveiled details about the new ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program, which promises to be one of the largest and most economical residential projects in Pakistan’s history.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab announcement issued on 01 September 2024, the Chief Minister expressed her commitment to fulfilling the dream of homeownership for low-income families across the province. The initiative, dubbed ‘The Low-Cost Housing Program,’ has already been launched and is set to expand annually. CM Sharif highlighted that this program is designed to provide housing to the financially weaker segments of society with the aid of significant government subsidies and soft-term monthly installments.
Further details revealed by CM Sharif include the promotion of durable and environmentally friendly construction practices. She also noted that the project is expected to generate employment for lakhs of people and enhance the lifestyle of numerous families. The Chief Minister stated, “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar program will be one of the biggest projects in the history of our country based on the provision of loans on an interest-free basis.”
The housing scheme is structured to cater to both rural and urban populations, offering loans up to 15 lakhs for the owners of residential plots. For urban areas, the scheme covers 5-marla plots, while in rural areas, it extends to 10-marla plots. The repayment of these loans is arranged through monthly installments of approximately 14 thousand rupees, under an interest-free arrangement. Additionally, CM Sharif announced plans to construct four-storey flats on state lands in major cities, which will be allocated through a balloting process on easy installment plans.
In private housing schemes, the government will provide a subsidy of 10 lakhs for the construction of each house, with the owners required to pay back the remaining installments within five years.
Dr. Amjad Saqib, in response, lauded CM Sharif’s enthusiastic and prioritized approach to addressing the needs of the common man. The meeting was also attended by key government officials including Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Principal Secretary to CM Sajid Zafar Daal, and several other secretaries and personal aides involved in housing and public relations.