To escape all these problems, if one can find a piece of land through savings ‘kamati’, accumulated capital or installments, it feels like a blessing from God. A large part of a person’s life is spent just reaching this stage. After that, building a house truly seems like a dream. After a good portion of the monthly income is spent on rent, the head of the household is constantly burdened by the thought of utility bills (electricity, gas and water), children’s educational expenses and daily meal planning. As soon as one month passes with difficulty, new troubles appear on some path heading their way.
Amidst this cluster of anxieties, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s program “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” proved to be a breath of fresh air introducing a new hope to the homeless and tenants. Providing interest-free loans up to Rs1.5 million to individuals who own a plot of 1 to 5 marlas in the city has brought major relief in reducing the problems. Those who own up to 10 marlas of land in rural areas are also benefiting from this facility.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has declared the launch of the scheme to be the realization of the dream of her father, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. In this context, after receiving the portfolio of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin, along with several Members of the Provincial Assembly were seen distributing cheques to successful applicants and at times, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz herself hosted the deserving individuals.
The public is directly benefiting from CM Punjab’s pro-people policies through a significant budget allocation. According to Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) Director General Sikandar Zeeshan, millions of applications have been received on the online portal so far. Three microfinance institutions are assisting the Punjab government as partners in the scrutiny of applications and the provision of loans. These institutions, which include major organizations like Akhuwat Foundation, are assisting in the scrutiny and other matters for individuals seeking loans.
The direct benefit to such a large number of people is proof of the scheme’s success. The beneficiaries will repay the interest-free loan of Rs1.5 million over a period of nine years in an extremely transparent manner, free from recommendation, bribery or political affiliation, and on the other hand, they will not have to pay any installment for the first 3 months.
It is reported that the Punjab government has planned to provide interest-free loans to at least 500,000 deserving families for building houses under a five-year plan for this public welfare project. Applications are being received from citizens on the online portal. The initial target of 100,000 in one year initially seemed like a dream but the distribution of interest-free loans to over 100,000 individuals in the short period of 10 months is a testament to the public’s confidence in government policies. Looking at the statistics of applicants, it seems that the need for affordable housing projects has increased further in the present time.
If loans are provided on a priority basis for the reconstruction of homes, in addition to the relief package of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz for those displaced by flood devastation, it would be the icing on the cake. Easing the reconstruction of the collapsed homes of the homeless is not a difficult task for the government, as an installment payment of Rs14,000 per month against the Rs1.5 million loan under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” scheme would be easy and feasible for everyone.
The achievement of the initial target two months ahead of schedule and the registration of millions of applicants reflect that the Punjab government appears set to achieve a large number in the coming year as well. Families with limited resources have easily obtained this loan, and if you or someone in your vicinity wishes to benefit from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar scheme, they can apply through the PITB online portal or by calling the toll-free number 080009100.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin, Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, DG PHATA Sikandar Zeeshan and the heads of partner organizations have been fully active for the success of the scheme. Inquiring about problems at people’s doorsteps in several districts and maintaining transparency is a huge challenge.
Provincial Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin stated, “Congratulations to the pushcart vendors, labourers, daily wage workers and low-income individuals of Punjab on getting their own homes.”
He added that the dream of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has materialized into a unique project in the country’s history. “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar is not just a government project; it is a journey of service, worship, and fortune. The Punjab government has turned a dream into reality in the short period of 10 months instead of one year.” Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin further said that hearing about the provision of loans to 100,000 families fills my heart with joy and pride. Tenants, the homeless and those living in makeshift houses now have beautiful, secure four-walled homes and have become homeowners. ‘Insha’Allah, over 400,000 more deserving families will see their dreams fulfilled in the next four years. Helping to provide shelter to the poor is a great honour and a source of blessings. The Punjab government is ensuring every possible step for public welfare and well-being.
