Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of the “Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar” programme, aimed at enhancing housing safety across the province. The initiative is part of an expansion of the existing “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme, which seeks to prevent incidents like the recent tragedy in Kahna.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the programme will offer interest-free loans of Rs500,000 for renovating and strengthening homes with weak roofs or dilapidated structures. Additionally, loans of Rs1 million will be available for constructing additional floors, repayable in easy instalments.

The special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sharif also reviewed the progress of the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” and “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” initiatives. A report highlighted that over 180,000 homeless families had been approved for interest-free loans, with Rs217.8 billion already disbursed and 134,343 houses completed.

Chief Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of good governance through practical measures. She directed the release of the second loan instalment within three days and approved new loan categories for home improvement. The meeting also reported on the distribution of 2,000 plots across 23 districts, with plans to provide loans for construction to the recipients.

The chief minister has stressed the need to simplify the loan application process and ensure no additional financial burden on the poor. She reiterated that the housing programmes are key initiatives of the Punjab government, with no room for negligence in their implementation.