Punjab Launches Historic “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” Program to Provide Free Plots to Homeless Families

PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s first-ever “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” initiative has been formally launched, marking a landmark step toward delivering free residential plots to poor and homeless families across Punjab. The program was inaugurated digitally by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who described it as a shift “from promises to delivery.”

During the launch, Nawaz Sharif personally congratulated several beneficiaries—including Rukhsana Bibi from Attock and Ramesh Lal from Mero Mai—via live phone calls, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting underprivileged households.

Under the scheme, eligible citizens are being allotted three-marla residential plots, along with housing loans of up to Rs 1.5 million, repayable in easy installments over nine years. Officials stated that the initiative is being executed through a transparent and foolproof verification system, supported by NADRA and district authorities.

According to Provincial Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, more than 2,000 beneficiaries have already received plots under 23 housing schemes in 19 districts, including Jhelum, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Okara, and Attock. The program attracted overwhelming public interest, with 4.83 lakh registrations and 2.57 lakh applications submitted in the first phase.

The government is also facilitating Rs 145 billion in housing loans for more than 118,000 applicants, enabling them to begin construction on their newly allotted land. The program falls under the broader vision of “Housing for All”, and is being executed through the Punjab Housing & Town Planning Agency (PHATA) with administrative support from HUD&PHED.

Officials said Phase 1 covers 1,892 plots across 19 districts, providing long-awaited relief to families who have never owned a home. The Chief Minister said the initiative will bring “hope, dignity, and security” to thousands across the province, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable Punjab.

– ER News Desk

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