Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Approves Interest-Free Loans for House Expansion
In a significant move to bolster housing initiatives in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given the green light to launch interest-free loans specifically for house expansion under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar project. This decision extends the facility to families residing in joint households, enabling them to obtain financial support without interest to expand their existing homes.
Ambitious Housing Targets and Plot Allotments
During a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, she set an ambitious target of constructing 160,000 houses across Punjab by June 2026. Additionally, she approved the allotment of 1,534 plots under the Apni Zameen Apna Ghar scheme. In the initial phase, plots will be allocated through a balloting process, with specific numbers designated for various districts:
- 194 plots in Jhelum
- 129 plots in Kasur
- 84 plots in Faisalabad
- 59 plots in Lodhran
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to expedite the balloting process and enhance funding for both housing schemes to ensure timely completion.
Review of Project Progress and Financial Disbursements
The meeting, which included briefings from the Housing Secretary and the Director General of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA), reviewed the disbursement of loans and overall progress. Key statistics revealed:
- 1,880,081 users registered under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar project
- 1,066,559 applications received
- 67,197 houses completed and occupied across Punjab
- 53,843 houses currently under construction
Furthermore, loans amounting to Rs164.66 billion have been disbursed under the scheme, with an impressive recovery rate of 99 percent. The chief minister instructed the early release of the second instalment of loans and ordered the formulation of a policy to address cases where beneficiaries pass away.
Additional Safety Measures and Future Directions
In a related development, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz also ordered the removal of hazardous power lines to prevent accidents, underscoring a holistic approach to public safety and infrastructure improvement. The decisions taken at this meeting aim to accelerate housing development and provide sustainable solutions for residents in joint family setups.
