Pakistan: Free housing land offered in Punjab, who can apply

Dubai: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the “Apni Zameen Apna Ghar” (my land, my home) scheme, an ambitious housing initiative offering free residential plots and construction support to the province’s poorest residents.

The first phase, already underway, will distribute 1,892 plots across 23 government-backed housing schemes in 19 districts, with additional phases to follow. The move aims to tackle homelessness and uplift the lives of low-income families.

The program offers free 3-marla (675 sq. ft.) plots to eligible low-income residents, along with access to interest-free construction loans through a companion scheme titled “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” (My shelter, may home)

Speaking at the official inauguration of the scheme’s e-portal (azag.punjab.gov.pk) on Saturday, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz shared that 2,000 plots will be allotted in the initial phase across 19 districts in Punjab.

“This programme is very close to my heart. It fulfills the vision of PML (N) leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who is always pleased to hear about homes being built for the poor.”

100,000 homes

The initiative, managed by the Punjab Housing & Town Planning Agency (PHATA) under the Housing, Urban Development, and Public Health Engineering Department, aims to construct 100,000 homes in 4.5 years, targeting both impoverished and middle-income families.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Free 3-Marla (675 sq. ft ) plots for eligible families across Punjab.

• Interest-free loans up to Rs1.5 million, repayable over 7 years at Rs14,000/month.

• Priority to widows, orphans, differently-abled persons, and laborers.

• Transparent balloting monitored by 8-member district-level oversight committees.

• Zero application fee to ensure accessibility and eliminate exploitation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must:

• Be permanent residents of Punjab

• Apply only within their home district

• Own no property in Pakistan (including spouse/dependents)

• Be registered with NSER with a PMT score ≤ 60

• Have a household income under Rs50,000

• Be at least 18 years old (married applicants prioritised).

• Have no criminal record or loan defaults.

• Be the verified head of a nuclear family.

How to Apply

• Online

• Apni Zameen Apna Ghar: azag.punjab.gov.pk

• Apni Chhat Apna Ghar (Loan): acag.punjab.gov.pk

• In person

• Visit your local Deputy Commissioner’s office, where scheme desks will assist with document submission and registration.

Loan disbursal & repayment

Approved applicants can access a Rs1.5 million interest-free loan for construction, repayable over 7 years with a 3-month grace period.

The process includes

• Plot verification

• Document submission

• Departmental validation

• Staggered disbursal of funds

Transparency

Each district has an eight-member committee overseeing the allotment process. Applicants must ensure their socio-economic survey is complete via pser.punjab.gov.pk. Citizens are warned to avoid scams—no payments are required at any stage.

• Complaints and misconduct can be reported via:

• Helpline: 0800-09100

• Online: complaints.punjab.gov.pk

Socio-Economic Impact

• The housing drive is expected to:

• Improve living standards and reduce slum conditions

• Increase access to utilities

• Enhance neighborhood safety

• Create up to 500,000 jobs in the construction sector