Breaking News: Punjab Expands Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme for Joint Families
The Punjab government has announced a major expansion of its flagship housing initiative, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, bringing long-awaited relief for joint families across the province. The decision is being seen as a strong step toward affordable housing, social stability, and the protection of Pakistan’s traditional joint family system.
Under the new expansion, joint families will now be eligible to receive interest-free loans on easy installments for the extension of their existing houses. This move aims to help families living together under one roof who need additional space due to growing family size, marriages, or changing household needs.
A People-Focused Housing Vision
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the expansion as part of a broader vision to make housing accessible for all segments of society. The government believes that supporting joint families will reduce housing pressure, promote family unity, and strengthen social harmony in both urban and rural Punjab.
Officials say the new policy is designed around the idea of shared living, shared kitchens, and shared courtyards, allowing families to expand their homes without breaking into separate households or taking on heavy financial burdens.
Interest-Free Loans for Home Extensions
For the first time, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme will officially support home extensions, not just new construction. Eligible joint families will be able to apply for completely interest-free loans, repayable in simple and affordable monthly installments.
This facility is especially important for middle- and lower-income families who already own a house but lack the resources to expand it. Rising construction costs have made home extensions difficult for many, and this initiative directly addresses that challenge.
According to government sources, the loan approval process will remain simple, transparent, and digital, similar to the existing structure of the scheme.
Target of 160,000 Houses by June 2026
Alongside the expansion for joint families, the Punjab government has set a bold target of completing 160,000 houses by June 2026. This includes houses built under various phases of Apni Chhat Apna Ghar as well as new allocations under related housing initiatives.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to citizens who do not own land. Such families will be provided residential plots along with interest-free construction loans, ensuring that land ownership does not become a barrier to safe housing.
Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar: Plot Allotments Approved
As part of the wider housing plan, approval has been granted for the allotment of 1,534 residential plots under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar initiative.
In the first phase, plots will be distributed through a transparent balloting process in the following districts:
- Jhelum – 194 plots
- Kasur – 129 plots
- Faisalabad – 84 plots
- Lodhran – 59 plots
The chief minister has directed authorities to complete the balloting process as early as possible so that construction work can begin without unnecessary delays.
Strong Public Response to the Scheme
During a high-level review meeting, officials from the Housing Department shared updated figures showing strong public interest in the program.
According to the briefing:
- Total registered users: 1,880,081
- Total applicants: 1,066,559
- Houses already completed: 67,197
- Houses currently under construction: 53,843
These numbers highlight the scale of the program and its growing importance in addressing Punjab’s housing shortage.
Rs 164.66 Billion Disbursed with 99% Recovery
One of the most notable achievements of Apni Chhat Apna Ghar is its financial discipline. So far, the Punjab government has disbursed Rs 164.66 billion in interest-free housing loans under the scheme.
Officials confirmed that the loan recovery rate stands at an impressive 99 percent, which reflects both public trust and the effectiveness of the installment-based repayment system. This recovery performance has encouraged the government to further expand the program and allocate additional funds.
Second Installment and Special Policy Directions
The chief minister has instructed concerned departments to ensure the timely release of the second loan installment for beneficiaries who have completed the required construction milestones. Delays in installments can slow down construction, and the government wants to avoid such issues.
In another important move, directions have been issued to develop a clear policy for cases where a beneficiary passes away. The aim is to protect families from financial hardship and ensure that housing support continues for dependents without legal or administrative complications.
Supporting the Joint Family System
Experts believe that the inclusion of joint families in the scheme is a socially significant decision. With rising urbanization and housing costs, many families are forced to split into smaller units. By supporting home extensions, the government is encouraging families to stay together while still meeting modern living needs.
This approach also helps reduce the pressure on urban housing markets and limits unplanned expansion in cities.
A Major Step for Affordable Housing in Punjab
The expansion of Apni Chhat Apna Ghar is being widely welcomed across Punjab, especially among families who were previously excluded due to space limitations rather than land ownership.
With interest-free loans, transparent processes, and record recovery rates, the scheme is shaping up as one of the most impactful housing initiatives in the province’s history.
As implementation continues, the program is expected to improve living standards, support family stability, and bring thousands of families closer to the dream of safe and dignified housing under their own roof.
