Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally launched a major housing initiative titled the “Apna Ghar Scheme,” marking a significant step toward addressing Pakistan’s growing housing shortage. He also announced that he will personally oversee the progress of the programme to ensure transparency and effective implementation.
The scheme was inaugurated during a ceremony held on Thursday, where the prime minister officially introduced the programme to the public. Under this initiative, eligible citizens will be able to obtain housing loans of up to one crore rupees on easy and flexible terms, making home ownership more accessible for low and middle-income families.
The programme has been designed as a nationwide project, covering all four provinces along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Officials emphasized that the scheme aims to provide equal access to housing finance across the country without regional discrimination.
During his address, the prime minister highlighted that a large segment of the population in Pakistan still does not own a home, describing housing access as a basic responsibility of the state. He stated that providing shelter to citizens is not just a policy goal but a moral obligation of the government.
The financial scale of the scheme is also substantial. Authorities have allocated a total project volume of approximately 3.2 trillion rupees, while an initial financing package of 321 billion rupees has been set aside for implementation. This large-scale investment is expected to stimulate economic activity, particularly in the construction and allied industries.
The government has set clear targets for the programme’s rollout. In the first phase, loans will be provided for the construction of 50,000 houses. Over the next four years, this target is planned to expand significantly to 500,000 homes, reflecting the long-term vision of the initiative.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued strict instructions to banks to comply fully with legal requirements in disbursing loans. He warned that any negligence or reluctance from financial institutions would not be tolerated. He further emphasized that banks failing to participate in the scheme should not expect favorable treatment in the future.
A key feature of the scheme is its focus on affordable housing. Loans will support the construction of houses on plots of up to 10 marlas, making it suitable for small and medium-sized residential needs. The relaxed financing conditions are designed to ensure wider participation from the public.
The prime minister also announced that he would personally review the scheme on a monthly basis, ensuring continuous monitoring and accountability throughout its implementation.
Experts believe that such housing initiatives can have a broad economic impact. Beyond addressing shelter needs, they can stimulate employment in construction, cement, steel, and related sectors, thereby contributing to overall economic growth.
At the conclusion of his address, the prime minister expressed hope that the scheme would transform the lives of thousands of families by turning the dream of home ownership into reality.