Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Expands Housing Initiative with ‘Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar’ Programme to Prevent Building Tragedies

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the launch of the “Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar” (Own Home, Safe Home) programme aimed at preventing tragedies like the recent incidents involving unsafe and deteriorating residential structures across the province.

The new initiative will further expand the scope of the government’s flagship “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” (Own Roof, Own Home) housing scheme by introducing two new categories focused on improving housing safety and supporting families in upgrading their homes.

Under the Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar programme, families living in old, damaged, and unsafe houses with weak roofs will receive financial assistance of Rs500,000 for renovation and safety improvements.

In another category, citizens will be provided interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million through easy instalments to construct an additional floor or a new building structure on their existing homes.

The decisions were taken during an important meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding the progress of the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar and Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar housing initiatives.

Over 170,000 Families Receive Interest-Free Housing Loans

During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme has achieved significant progress, with interest-free and easy instalment loans approved for more than 180,000 homeless families across Punjab.

So far, around 170,000 families have received housing loans, while the provincial government has released Rs217.8 billion for the completion and expansion of the project.

Officials further stated that 134,343 houses have already been completed across Punjab, while nearly 27,500 additional houses are currently in the final stages of construction.

The scheme has received overwhelming public response, with more than 1.278 million homeless families submitting applications for housing assistance.

Focus on Safer Homes and Better Living Conditions

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that ensuring safe housing facilities for citizens is a major priority of the Punjab government.

“During a crisis, statements are not enough; visible actions are the real measure of good governance,” she said.

She directed officials to make the process of obtaining housing loans even easier and ensure that deserving citizens do not face unnecessary hurdles.

The chief minister emphasized that no additional burden should be placed on poor families and that there should be no changes in loan eligibility conditions that could create difficulties for applicants.

“Families living in dilapidated houses or under weak roofs will be supported by the Punjab government to make their homes safer and better,” she added.

New Loan Category Approved for Additional Floors

The meeting also approved a proposal to introduce a new Rs1 million loan category that will allow homeowners to build additional floors on their existing properties.

Officials also presented a proposal for providing Rs500,000 assistance for repairing damaged and unsafe roofs, which was approved during the meeting.

The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of families living in vulnerable housing conditions and help reduce risks associated with unsafe buildings.

Progress Under ‘Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar’ Programme

The meeting also reviewed progress under the “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” scheme, under which free residential plots have been provided to homeless families.

Officials informed the chief minister that 2,000 plots have been allocated in 23 districts of Punjab under the initiative.

Maryam Nawaz directed that families who have received free plots should also be provided loans to construct houses on their land.

She further reviewed reports regarding the development and rehabilitation work in areas included under the programme.

Punjab Pavilion Success Highlighted in Baku

During the meeting, a report on the successful presentation of the “Punjab Pakistan Pavilion” in Baku was also presented. A special documentary highlighting the achievements and impact of the pavilion was shown to participants.

The chief minister appreciated the efforts behind showcasing Punjab’s development initiatives at the international level.

Flagship Housing Project to Continue with Strict Oversight

Maryam Nawaz described the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme and its related initiatives as a flagship project of the Punjab government, stressing that negligence in its implementation would not be tolerated.

She directed relevant departments to ensure transparency, speed, and effective monitoring so that maximum deserving families can benefit from the housing schemes.

“The government will continue working to provide affordable and secure housing facilities to the people of Punjab,” she said.

The expansion of the programme reflects the Punjab government’s broader strategy to improve living standards, protect vulnerable households, and provide sustainable housing solutions for low-income families across the province.