Pakistan has approved more than Rs220 billion in housing loans under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program.
However, only around Rs34.27 billion has been disbursed so far as the government works to expand housing finance.
The figures were discussed during the second meeting of the Access to Finance Steering Committee on Monday.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting, which reviewed progress on the government’s broader financing initiatives.
Rs220 Billion in Housing Loans Approved
According to the Finance Division, banks have approved more than Rs220.68 billion in housing loans under the program.
The approved financing is now ready for disbursement to eligible applicants. So far, around Rs34.27 billion has actually been disbursed under the housing initiative.
The difference between approved and disbursed financing has therefore become an important part of the government’s ongoing review.
The committee discussed measures aimed at improving access to housing, agriculture and small business financing.
Access to Finance Plan Reviewed
The meeting reviewed progress under the Prime Minister’s Access to Finance Plan 2026 to 2028.
The plan includes initiatives covering housing, agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Meanwhile, the government is working on legal and financial data-related measures to make lending faster.
These measures are intended to address implementation challenges and improve access to financing across different sectors. The committee also reviewed a proposed wholesale financing framework.
The framework will be shared with banks for feedback before authorities finalise it.
Officials also stressed the importance of clear rules and suitable controls where government support forms part of financing arrangements.
Government Plans Easier Housing Finance
The government is also considering measures to make housing finance more accessible for applicants. One key area under discussion involves digitising land and property records to simplify the financing process.
Authorities are also looking at faster verification of title documents and improved mechanisms for mortgage-based lending.
Furthermore, the committee discussed greater engagement with property developers to support housing finance.
Financing against properly registered and verifiable property titles also formed part of the discussion.
These measures could help address some of the practical difficulties associated with obtaining housing finance.
Agriculture Financing Also on Agenda
The committee also discussed measures aimed at strengthening financing opportunities for the agriculture sector.
Officials considered plans to improve crop insurance by expanding the Crop Loan Insurance Scheme towards area yield insurance.
The government said this approach could improve farmers’ access to insurance payouts.
At the same time, authorities are seeking stronger coordination among banks, non-bank financial institutions and other stakeholders.
The broader objective is to expand agricultural lending and improve access to financial services for farmers.
Electric Vehicle Financing Expands
The committee also reviewed progress under the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification Program. More than 1,200 electric bikes have reportedly been delivered to customers under the initiative.
The government is now working to expand financing options for electric vehicle mobility. This effort forms part of the wider transition towards electric vehicles under the National Electric Vehicle Policy 2030.
The financing measures are intended to support the government’s broader electric mobility objectives.
Aurangzeb Calls for Stronger Coordination
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the need for continued coordination among key financial institutions.
The Finance Ministry, State Bank of Pakistan and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan are among the stakeholders involved.
The Pakistan Banks’ Association and other relevant institutions are also expected to contribute to the process. Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of addressing implementation issues through continued coordination.
The government aims to maintain progress across the different initiatives included in the access to finance plan.
For now, the housing program remains a major focus, with more than Rs220 billion approved. However, the government is also examining ways to accelerate the actual disbursement of approved housing financing.
