The Punjab government has approved interest-free loans for the repair and rehabilitation of dilapidated houses under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme, with eligible families able to secure amounts ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yaseen. The meeting was attended by the President of the Bank of Punjab, the Secretary Housing, and the Director General of PHATA.
Bilal Yaseen said the loans will be disbursed through an e-portal for house repairs or roof construction under a transparent, low-cost, and interest-free mechanism.
He said the initiative, launched by Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to improve living conditions for low-income families by helping them repair unsafe and deteriorating homes.
Officials told the meeting that 170,000 families have already received interest-free loans under the programme. They said the Punjab government plans to extend the facility to another 100,000 families during the next fiscal year.
The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme is a flagship housing initiative of the Punjab government aimed at providing affordable housing to low-income residents across the province. It seeks to construct 100,000 affordable houses and apartments over four and a half years through three execution models.
The initiative is expected to improve housing conditions, reduce overcrowding and informal settlements, expand access to basic amenities, and strengthen community development.
Officials said the programme could generate around 500,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities through large-scale housing construction.
To qualify for the scheme, an applicant must be a resident of Punjab. Eligible applicants can apply online through the programme official portal at www.acag.punjab.gov.pk.
The scheme offers an interest-free loan of up to Rs1 million with a repayment period of seven years through easy monthly instalments. The loan amount is released in phases, and the revolving fund remains sustainable as repayments from beneficiaries are used to finance new loans.
The Punjab government will bear the programme operational costs and applicable sales tax, ensuring that beneficiaries receive financing without any interest charges.
