Lahore: In an effort to address housing affordability in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the launch of the “Apni Chat Apna Ghar” program, set to officially begin on August 14. This initiative aims to provide interest-free loans for home building to eligible plot owners across the province.

According to Zameen.Com, the program was introduced after the construction of three model houses, designed to demonstrate the project's commitment to quality and affordability. Chief Minister Sharif has highlighted features such as living rooms in the model house plans and the availability of a toll-free number to assist prospective applicants. Additionally, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is tasked with developing an online portal to facilitate application submissions directly from home.

Secretary Housing Captain Asad Ullah Khan (Retd) elaborated on the application process during a briefing, noting that forms are available at the offices of Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners. The program targets owners of plots ranging from 1 to 5 marlas, offering them the possibility to construct their homes through interest-free loans, with repayment terms structured into manageable installments.

The initiative also includes plans for the construction of ground and triple-story apartments on state land, with a feasibility study pending. Further support will be provided through subsidies aimed at reducing construction costs for 3 and 5 marla houses in private schemes, benefiting approximately 70,000 plot owners in both urban and rural areas of Punjab.

The meeting, attended by Senator Pervaiz Rasheed and Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, underscored the government’s dedication to enhancing homeownership accessibility. The “Apni Chat Apna Ghar” program represents a significant step towards reshaping Punjab’s housing market and expanding opportunities for families to own homes.