Overview
Muslim Aid reports that there are over 20 million homeless people in Pakistan, but now there is an opportunity to own your home or apartment because Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz recently launched the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program, which focuses on providing affordable homes and loans to the needy people across Punjab.
Project's Vision
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision is to offer homes to proletariat class at an affordable cost. Furthermore, the construction of houses will be of high quality. Moreover, the material of these houses will meet the highest standards to cope up the ecosystem variations. Also, this program will target the housing crisis in Pakistan by offering subsidized housing units with easy installment plans.
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme – Eligible Cities
The scheme will initially be rolled out in six major cities of Punjab:
- Lahore
- Multan
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Sargodha
- Sialkot
These cities have been identified as critical areas where the housing crisis is most acute.
Initial Phase - Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme
The 1 Lac houses will be constructed in several phases. In the first phase, Approx. 5760 homes will be built.
Initial plan
- Lahore: 120.7 kanals of state land with 1,728 apartments on Main Raiwind Road, next to Bahria Orchard Graveyard.
- Sialkot: 120 kanals of state land located on Pasrur Road near Sialkot Public School and College, with 1,184 apartments.
- Rawalpindi: 142 kanals of state land with 1,728 apartments near FMC Cricket Ground and FMC Central Park.
- Faisalabad: 78 kanals of state land with 960 apartments next to Iqra International Institute and Eden Orchard.
- Sargodha: 59 kanals of state land with 704 apartments near Sargodha Bypass and Royal Orchard, Sargodha.
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Subsidy
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program will offer 60% subsidy to the applicants. However, the remaining 40% down payment will be paid by the beneficiaries.
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme Details
- Project Name: Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Scheme
- Initiated by: CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz
- Project Goal: To provide housing to underprivileged individuals
- Total Planned Homes: 100,000 houses
- First Phase Construction: 5000 in Lahore & 3,000 homes are being constructed in each cities
- Government Subsidy: 60% subsidy
- Down Payment: 40% to be paid by beneficiaries
Funds Approval from Punjab Government
The Punjab Government has approved nine development schemes valued at over PKR 50 billion. These projects include multiple sectors, like irrigation, urban development, school education, energy, and infrastructure, with a total estimated cost of PKR 50,766.848 million. The funds of Apni Chhat Apna Ghar are also included in this approval.
Execution Models
- Execution Model-1 (Tentative 10,000 housing units)
- Execution Model-2 (Tentative 20,000 housing units)
- Execution Model-3 (Tentative 70,000 Interest Free Loans)
Execution Model-1 (Tentative 10,000 Housing Units)
In this execution model equity based land sharing will be followed between developers and PHATA.
Developer Responsibilities: Build infrastructure (roads, utilities, amenities) and housing according to PHATA’s design and scope.
- PHATA’s Role: Provide preliminary land use plan structural drawings and approve layout plans.
- Land Transfer: PHATA to transfer state land to developers in stages.
- Government Support: No financial subsidies for infrastructure or construction.
- Pricing: The government sets housing unit prices and installment plans.
- Approval: Layout plans must be approved by PHATA’s Governing Body and adhere to regulations.
- Trunk Infrastructure: PHATA develops trunk infrastructure using government-approved allocations.
Execution Model-2 (Tentative 20,000 Housing Units)
- Development of low-cost houses on 20%+ of residential areas in approved private housing schemes under APHS Rules 2020.
- Affordable Houses: Size, design, and price set by PHATA; down payment via Escrow account.
- Payment Structure: Down payment, government subsidy, and remaining payments in installments over five years.
- Issuance of Allotment Letter: After full payment of installments.
- Monitoring: PHATA supervises and monitors construction.
- Payment to Developer: Based on milestone achievements.
Execution Model-3 (Tentative 70,000 Interest Free Loans)
- Interest-Free Loans: Provided for house construction through a Revolving Fund.
- Eligibility: Residents of Punjab with residential plots (up to 5 marla in urban areas, up to 10 marla in rural areas).
- Application: Apply online via ACAG’s website: acag.punjab.gov.pk.
- Loan Details:
- Maximum amount: 1.5 million
- Tenure: 7 years
- Disbursed in tranches
- Monthly installments
- Fund Operation: Revolves with repayments from beneficiaries.
- Government Support: Covers operational costs and sales tax.
Eligibility Criteria (Key Criteria & Details)
- Head of the Primary Family
- According to their NADRA record, the applicant is the head of their beta (nucleus) family.
- A resident of Punjab
- According to his or her CNIC, the applicant resides in Punjab permanently.
Owning A Property
At the time of online application submission, the applicant is the only owner and possessor of a plot of land (measure 5 marla) in Punjab urban areas that is intended to be used for the construction of his or her home. The applicant must or less and (up to 10 marla) in rural regions.
Having no criminal record
The applicant should not have a criminal history, including convictions for violent crimes, anti-social behavior, and anti-state offences.
No Loan Defaults
The applicant should not have defaulted on a loan from a bank, financial institution, etc.
How Do I Apply for The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme?
Residents of Punjab who are interested in applying for a home or a loan can visit the official portal at acag.punjab.gov.pk. And for more information you can call them on Contact Number: 042-99213419, 99213428 / 0800-09100.
Steps to Apply
Walk In Registration
Eligible Applicants are invited to apply for this program by visiting the front desks that have been established at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Assistant Commissioner’s Office, and the Deputy Director’s Office of PHATA. To complete your application, please bring the following documents:
- You’re ID card
- Land papers
Proof of registration with the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) under the Socio-Economic Poverty Targeting Program.
Please visit one of these offices to finalize your registration. Visit one of these offices to complete your registration and application process.
Online Registration
Visit the Registration Portal to begin your application process. Fill out the registration form with the following details:
- Full Name
- CNIC Number
- CNIC Number of Father or Husband (as applicable)
- Gender
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Division, District, and City
- Create a new account, set a password, and complete the registration process.
Certificate Verification
After successful registration, you will receive a certificate form. Complete this form to verify your eligibility for each category.
Application Submission
Once eligibility is confirmed, proceed to fill out the application form. This step is specifically for candidates who own plots and are seeking a loan to build a house.
Enter your basic information, attach the required documents, and include any additional comments.
Payment and Financing
Subsidized Payments: The government will provide financial assistance through subsidies. These subsidies will cover a portion of the down payment and the monthly installments, making it easier for low-income citizens to afford a home.
Loan Details
Banks will provide loans for these homes, with the government subsidizing up to 60% of the house’s value. This significant financial support reduces the total amount citizens need to borrow, making homeownership more accessible.
Future Prospects
The government will continue to update the scheme’s progress through official channels and public announcements. This ensures that citizens remain informed about critical developments and any changes to the scheme. As the scheme evolves, further details will be provided. This may include refinements to the application process, additional cities being included in the scheme, and other updates based on public feedback and planning considerations.
Memoona Zamir is a Web Content Writer at LBD Marketing with 3 years of experience in writing for the real estate world in Pakistan. She holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and enjoys reading, watching seasons, and traveling in her free time.