In a landmark move on July 15, 2025, the Punjab government announced the release of Rs 42.013 billion under the 2025–26 Annual Development Programme to bolster its flagship ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ initiative, aimed at addressing stark housing insecurity and promoting social welfare .
First launched on 14 August 2024 by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the scheme offers interest-free loans up to Rs 1.5 million to low- and middle-income families for building homes on their own land. The loan is repayable over seven years with affordable installments of approximately Rs 14,000 per month, including a three-month grace period .
Since inception, the impact has been monumental: 51,911 loans totalling Rs 57.9 billion were approved by June 2025, with 5,293 housing units completed and occupied, and 41,324 under construction—surpassing initial targets and setting a national benchmark .
The newly released Rs 42 billion, the scheme’s single-largest annual infusion, will be channelled through the Punjab Housing & Town Planning Agency (PHATA) via the Housing, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering Department. The significant injection of funds underscores Punjab’s commitment to scaling the programme province-wide .
Beyond enabling homeownership, the scheme is part of a broader vision led by CM Maryam Nawaz, dovetailing with other social welfare projects like Suthra Punjab and public transport electrification . PHATA aims to facilitate up to 100,000 housing units over 4.5 years, featuring modern amenities, compliance with building codes, and job creation through allied construction activity ().
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Eligibility criteria remain inclusive but targeted: applicants must be Punjab residents with valid CNICs, own 1–5 marla plots in urban areas or up to 10 marla in rural areas, earn less than Rs 60,000 monthly, and not own another house or have criminal convictions .
With the latest funding milestone, the government aims to expedite loan disbursement, boost online registration (over 200,000 applications logged), and deliver quality housing swiftly . As Maryam Nawaz declared earlier this month, “Our mission is to ensure that every family in Punjab can dream of owning a safe, dignified home… This is just the beginning” .
The Rs 42 billion infusion marks a decisive escalation in Punjab’s push for affordable housing, offering a transformative outlook for tens of thousands of families while reinforcing inclusive growth and social stability across the province.