House loan initiative receives 0.37m applications

The Punjab government's "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" housing scheme has received around 0.37 million applications.

To date, 1,000 applicants have already received interest-free loans delivered to their doorsteps.

These figures were presented by Provincial Housing Minister Bilal Yasin while addressing the media at the commissioner's office in Rawalpindi.

He emphasised the government's commitment to making homeownership a reality for the underprivileged.

He called the scheme, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a testament to this vision.

"This project is designed for those who own land but lack the means to build a house. The loans are provided on easy terms to empower these individuals," he said.

The programme aims to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to 100,000 eligible individuals by December 2025.

Beneficiaries will repay the loans in monthly instalments of 14,000 rupees after an initial three-month grace period.

The scheme applies to owners of 1-5 marla plots in urban areas and up to 10 marla plots in rural regions.

Yasin highlighted the project's emphasis on transparency and merit, with certificates already distributed to deserving applicants and initial funds transferred to their accounts.

A One Window Operation Centre at the DC Office Rawalpindi has been set up for public queries.

He also vowed strict action against illegal housing societies, instructing the Rawalpindi Development Authority to continue its crackdown.

"There will be no leniency for anyone exploiting the hard-earned money of the people," Yasin stressed.