ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and commercial banks to accelerate housing loan disbursements under the government’s Apna Ghar Programme. The directive follows a review showing that approximately Rs. 350 billion in approved housing financing had not yet reached borrowers.
According to a report by Business Recorder, the prime minister issued the instructions during a meeting with presidents and chief executive officers of major commercial banks. He called for simpler lending procedures and better coordination to reduce delays faced by eligible applicants.
Officials informed the meeting that banks had approved housing loans worth Rs. 426 billion, while actual disbursements stood at Rs. 76 billion. This leaves a substantial portion of the approved financing awaiting release.
Government Seeks Faster Housing Loan Disbursements
By the end of September 2026, a total of 13,214 borrowers had received housing loans worth Rs. 76 billion. The difference between approvals and disbursements has prompted the government to push for improvements in the financing process.
The Apna Ghar Programme, launched on April 30, 2026, aims to help eligible citizens access affordable housing finance. Faster disbursements could help approved applicants move forward with home purchases and other eligible housing-related expenses.
However, loan approval does not necessarily mean that funds are immediately available. Banks may need to complete documentation, verification and other procedural requirements before releasing financing.
Rs. 700 Billion Housing Finance Target for 2026–27
The government has set a housing finance target of Rs. 700 billion for the 2026–27 financial year. The programme also aims to support the provision or construction of 125,000 housing units across the country.
Officials also discussed ways to expand financing opportunities for property developers. Better access to funding could support residential construction, although the impact will depend on the financing arrangements, project readiness and implementation.
SME and Agricultural Financing Also Reviewed
The meeting covered financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the agriculture sector.
Officials reported that 350,862 business owners had received Rs. 1.137 trillion in financing. The government aims to increase SME lending to Rs. 1.5 trillion by June 2027.
In agriculture, financing worth Rs. 1.352 trillion had reached more than 3.45 million people by September 2026. The government has set a target of Rs. 1.5 trillion in agricultural lending by June 2027.
Implementation Will Be Key
The prime minister urged the SBP and commercial banks to improve coordination and ensure that eligible borrowers receive approved financing without unnecessary delays.
For prospective homebuyers, the pace of disbursement will be an important indicator of the programme’s progress. Future updates on released funds, pending applications and progress towards the annual target will help show whether the initiative is translating into greater access to housing finance.
The reported figures distinguish between loans approved by banks and funds actually received by borrowers, making disbursement progress a key measure to monitor in the coming months.
