ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday launched the “PM Apna Ghar Programme”, a major housing initiative aimed at helping low and middle-income families own homes through easy long-term loans. Under the new scheme, eligible citizens will be able to receive housing loans of up to Rs10 million on affordable instalments.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said the government plans to construct 500,000 housing units across Pakistan under the Rs3.2 trillion programme. The scheme will cover all four provinces, along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said the housing loans would be repaid over a period of 20 years. For the first 10 years, beneficiaries will pay a subsidised markup rate of 5 per cent, while the remaining 10 years will follow the prevailing market rate at that time.
The prime minister announced that during the first year, the government aims to finance 50,000 houses with an allocation of Rs321 billion. Under the scheme, applicants will be allowed to construct homes of up to 10 marla in size.
He said the Apna Ghar Programme is designed to support citizens struggling with rising inflation and high property prices. The initiative is expected to boost the construction sector, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz also stated that he would personally monitor the programme every month to ensure transparency, timely payments, and efficient implementation.
In addition to the housing initiative, the government announced relief measures under the PM Fuel Package 2026. More than Rs1.2 billion has already been digitally distributed among over 32,000 beneficiaries, including transporters, truck drivers, bus operators, and delivery vehicle owners affected by rising fuel prices.
Meanwhile, the international development branch of the European Investment Bank pledged €160 million to support housing reconstruction projects in Sindh and improve water quality infrastructure in Karachi.
