LAHORE: In a significant move to address homelessness, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has initiated the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program. This scheme aims to provide free 3-marla residential plots to poor and homeless families across the province.
“Implementation of the decision to provide free plots to homeless people in Punjab has begun,” stated CM Maryam Nawaz.
First Phase Distribution
The first phase of the initiative will see the allocation of 1,892 plots across 33 housing schemes in 22 districts, including:
- Hazro
- Attock
- Jhelum
- Gujarat
- Mandi Bahauddin
- Chiniot
- Mamun Kanjan
- Sillanwali
- Jhang
- Pattoki
- Okara
- Renala Khurd
- Bhakkar
- Khushab
- Layyah
- Vehari
- Lodhran
- Sahiwal
- Chichawatni
- Fort Munro
- Rajanpur
- Bahawalpur
- Bahawalnagar
The distribution across various regions is as follows:
- Rawalpindi Division: 658 plots in five schemes across four districts.
- Faisalabad Division: 288 plots in four schemes across five districts.
- Lahore Region: 518 plots in five schemes across three districts.
- Bhakkar Region: 131 plots in seven schemes.
- Multan Region: 270 plots in nine schemes across five districts.
- Bahawalpur Region: 27 plots in three schemes.
Government’s Commitment
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that this initiative is not a favor but a responsibility of the government. She stated, “It is my dream that every citizen of Punjab has his own house.
To oversee the effective implementation of the scheme, an eight-member committee has been formed to finalize the terms of reference for distributing the free plots. The committee will also monitor the development of 3- and 5-marla housing schemes and ensure the completion of 20,000 homes in the province.
Application Process
The Punjab government is in the process of launching an official online portal for application submissions. Applicants will need to register with their CNIC and personal details, upload required documents such as residency proof and income certificate, and submit the application form. Further details on the application process and deadlines will be shared as soon as the government releases official information.
Financial Assistance
In addition to providing free plots, the government has introduced a zero-interest loan scheme to assist beneficiaries in constructing their homes. Eligible individuals can avail loans of up to PKR 1.5 million under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” initiative. As of January 2025, 4,841 houses are under construction, and over 728,000 visits have been recorded on the program’s portal.
