Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched a transformative housing initiative, “Apni Zameen Apna Ghar,” aimed at addressing housing insecurity for the poor and homeless across the province. The program, rolled out in early 2025, is a cornerstone of the provincial government’s vision to ensure “Housing for All” and is being implemented by the Punjab Housing & Town Planning Agency (PHATA), under the supervision of the Housing, Urban Development, and Public Health Engineering Department (HUD&PHED).
The flagship scheme offers free 3-marla residential plots (675 sq.ft.) to eligible low-income families in Punjab. It is supplemented by an interest-free construction loan facility under the companion program, “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar,” offering up to Rs1.5 million in support repayable over seven years. In the first phase, 1,892 plots are being allocated across 23 housing schemes in 19 districts, including major regions such as Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, and Gujrat. The government has set an ambitious target of constructing 100,000 houses in the next 4.5 years, expanding coverage in subsequent phases to all districts in Punjab.
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Key features of the Apni Zameen Apna Ghar scheme include zero application fees, a transparent balloting process overseen by eight-member district-level committees, and prioritization of vulnerable groups like widows, orphans, the differently-abled, and laborers. Applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab, have a monthly household income of less than Rs50,000, be listed in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) with a PMT score of 60 or below, and should not own any property in Pakistan. Additional criteria ensure that only genuine, underserved families benefit from the scheme.
Applications can be submitted online through azag.punjab.gov.pk or acag.punjab.gov.pk, while offline support is available at local Deputy Commissioner offices for those without internet access. Required documents include CNICs, proof of Punjab residency, NADRA family registration certificates, and income verification.
- For Apni Zameen Apna Ghar: azag.punjab.gov.pk
- For Apni Chhat Apna Ghar (loan facility): acag.punjab.gov.pk
The construction loan process for plot recipients is designed to be straightforward and transparent. After confirming plot ownership, applicants can submit their documents online or via DC offices. Verified loans are disbursed in installments, with a three-month grace period and a fixed monthly repayment of Rs14,000. As of May 2025, over Rs924 million has already been recovered from more than 25,500 loans, indicating strong repayment compliance and effective program management.
To prevent fraud and ensure fairness, the government has established district-level oversight committees and made PSER registration mandatory. Citizens are urged to report any irregularities through the government helpline or official complaint portal. With a focus on transparency and equitable access, the scheme aims to not only provide shelter but also generate employment, improve infrastructure, and uplift entire communities.
By tackling the root causes of homelessness and poverty, “Apni Zameen Apna Ghar” and its associated programs mark a bold step in public welfare and inclusive development. The Punjab government encourages all eligible citizens to stay updated through official portals and ensure timely registration to benefit from this historic housing opportunity.
