Eligibility Criteria announced for Apni Zameen Apna Ghar Program

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced a new housing program called “Apni Zameen Apna Ghar” (My Land, My Home) to provide free residential plots to poor and homeless families. The scheme aims to fulfill her government’s promise of “Housing for All” by distributing 3-marla plots (approximately 750 square feet) to eligible citizens across the province.

Key Features of the Apni Zameen Apna Ghar

Under the first phase, 1,892 plots will be given in 19 districts, including Faisalabad, Gujrat, Sahiwal, and Sargodha. The Punjab Housing & Town Planning Agency (PHATA) and the Housing, Urban Development, and Public Health Engineering Department (HUD&PHED) will manage the program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be permanent Punjab residents (verified via CNIC).

• Apply only in their home district.

• Not own any property in Pakistan (including spouse/dependents).

• Have no criminal record or unpaid bank loans.

• Submit accurate details; false information cancels eligibility.

Apni Zameen Apna Ghar How to Apply

Interested families can apply online through the official portal: https://azag.punjab.gov.pk/. The government warns against fraud and urges applicants to avoid middlemen.

Districts Covered in Phase 1
The initial phase targets 19 districts:

• Central Punjab: Faisalabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, Kasur, Sahiwal.

• South Punjab: Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Rajanpur.

• West Punjab: Attock, Bhakkar, Khushab, Sargodha.

• Others include Chiniot, Jhang, Layyah, Mandi Baha-ud-Din, Okara, and Vehari.

Why This Scheme Matters
The program focuses on reducing homelessness and empowering low-income families. A 3-marla plot allows beneficiaries to build small homes or sell the land for financial stability. Officials say this is Punjab’s largest free housing initiative in decades, targeting rural and urban poor equally.

Challenges and Next Steps
Critics question whether the government can prevent corruption in plot allocation. To address this, CM Maryam Nawaz has ordered strict monitoring via CNIC verification and public audits. Successful applicants will receive ownership documents directly from PHATA.

The government plans to expand the scheme to all 36 Punjab districts after the first phase. Future phases may include subsidized construction materials or loans for home-building.

Public Reaction
Many residents welcomed the move. A daily wage worker in Faisalabad said, “This is hope for people like us who can’t afford land.” However, some worry about delays. “We’ve seen schemes fail before. Will this be different?” asked a farmer in Bahawalpur.