Punjab government expands interest‑free housing loan scheme for low‑income families

The Punjab provincial government approved an expansion of its flagship "Apni Chhat Apna Ghar" housing programme. Under the new plan, eligible low‑income families can obtain interest‑free loans ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million for home repairs and roof construction, with repayment spread over seven years via a dedicated e‑portal.

Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, in a meeting chaired with officials from the Housing Department, PHATA and the Bank of Punjab, said the initiative, launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to improve living conditions, curb overcrowding and generate employment in the construction sector. Approximately 170,000 families have already benefited from the scheme, and the government plans to extend loans to an additional 100,000 families in the next fiscal year. The program is expected to create around 500,000 direct and indirect jobs while supporting sustainable, affordable housing across Punjab.