Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the provincial government’s “Apna Chhat Apna Ghar” (Our Roof, Our House) housing scheme on Wednesday, just days after announcing an electricity subsidy that caused tension with coalition partners.
At a ceremony in Lahore, the chief minister announced that landowners with 1-5 marlas in urban areas and 1-10 marlas in rural areas would be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to build homes. She emphasized that for the first three months, no payments would be required.
“There’s no place like home. Those who own their own roof don’t understand the plight of those without,” Maryam said.
This initiative follows PML-N President Nawaz Sharif’s announcement of a Rs14-per-unit reduction in electricity bills for August and September for consumers using between 200 and 500 units per month. This decision, limited to Punjab, had sparked discontent from the PPP-led Sindh government.
The chief minister explained that the loans would be repaid over seven years with a maximum monthly installment of Rs14,000. She assured that there would be no hidden costs or bank involvement in the scheme to avoid additional charges.
Applications for the scheme can be submitted online through the PITB portal, or by calling 080009100 for assistance. Maryam highlighted that the houses built under this scheme will include two bedrooms, a TV lounge, a bathroom, and a kitchen.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the scheme aims to expand across Punjab within five years to ensure that those in need can secure housing.
