Dream homes: Pakistan delivers thousands of interest-free houses to low-income families

Dubai: Punjab’s ambitious housing initiative, “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” (My roof, my home), is rapidly changing the lives of thousands of low-income families by providing interest-free home loans to build affordable houses.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif celebrated a major milestone in this transformative project at a special ceremony held at Lahore’s Expo Centre.

The project aims to provide financial assistance to the poor people primarily to labourers, rickshaw drivers, small traders, and other low-wage earners, who have traditionally struggled to afford decent housing.

Under the scheme, eligible families receive interest-free loans to construct their own homes, with affordable monthly instalments averaging just Rs. 15,000.

Since its launch, the scheme has already disbursed over Rs. 74 billion in interest-free loans. More than 50,000 families have benefited in just six months, with 9,000 homes fully completed and over 52,000 houses under active construction throughout Punjab. The project maintains a stellar loan recovery rate of 99.9%, underscoring the program’s sustainability and the beneficiaries’ commitment.

Chief Minister Maryam highlighted the emotional impact during the event, sharing stories of beneficiaries who once worked as labourers carrying bricks for others but are now proud homeowners. She personally met with 3,000 families who have moved into their new homes, extending her congratulations and encouragement.

One rickshaw driver described the scheme as the realisation of his lifelong dream, crediting the government’s support for making it possible.

The scheme also emphasises inclusion, with many women and marginalised families benefiting. A female beneficiary shared her gratitude, saying, “Maryam Nawaz turned my dream of owning a home into a reality.” Another woman from Multan emotionally recounted how she never expected such support but now looks forward to a secure future.

Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin updated attendees on the project’s swift progress, confirming that over 37,000 families have received both loan instalments. By the end of the year, the government expects to complete 100,000 houses, addressing Punjab’s critical housing shortage and uplifting the socioeconomic conditions of thousands of families.

This initiative not only provides physical homes but also strengthens communities, empowers women, and fosters hope for a better future. The ceremony was attended by provincial ministers, senior government officials, and the Chief Secretary, all underscoring the government’s commitment to affordable housing.

Maryam said: “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar is a promise kept to the people of Punjab — a promise that every family deserves a safe and secure place to call home.”