LAHORE: More than 101,000 homeless families in Punjab have moved closer to homeownership through the provincial government’s Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme, according to officials during a high-level review meeting held on Tuesday.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin chaired the meeting, where Director General PHATA Sikandar Zeeshan presented an update on the progress of the flagship housing initiative. The programme aims to provide affordable housing opportunities through interest-free loans for deserving families across the province.
According to the briefing, the government has disbursed more than Rs208 billion in interest-free loans under the Punjab Chief Minister’s Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme. As a result, thousands of low-income families have gained access to financial support for constructing their own homes.
**Thousands of Families Benefit from Interest-Free Housing Loans**
Officials informed the meeting that more than 156,000 families have received interest-free loans for house construction. Meanwhile, construction work is currently underway on 32,412 homes across different districts of Punjab.
In addition, authorities plan to extend financial assistance to another 7,792 families in the coming phase of the programme. The meeting also reviewed data regarding loan distribution, completed housing units, ongoing construction projects, and pending applications.
**Government Plans Major Expansion in New Fiscal Year**
During the meeting, Bilal Yasin directed officials to further expand the programme’s reach in both urban and rural areas. He emphasized that access to affordable housing remains a key priority of the provincial government.
Furthermore, the minister announced that the government will fulfill its commitment to provide interest-free housing loans to 100,000 additional families during the next financial year. He noted that many beneficiaries have successfully transitioned from being tenants to homeowners through the initiative.
Bilal Yasin described the programme as a significant step toward public welfare and social development. He added that the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is to ensure that every deserving family has access to a safe and permanent home.
