PM’s Apna Ghar scheme: Expats & NRPs now eligible for financing: SBP

KARACHI: In a significant move to expand the scope of the Prime Minister’s housing finance scheme, Overseas Pakistanis and Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) will now be eligible for financing under the programme at subsidies rates. The revised framework also permits financing for private developer-led housing projects under the scheme.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the federal government has approved a multi-channel implementation strategy for the Wazir-e-Azam’s Affordable Government Programme (AGP) “Ghar Ho Tu Apna,” while also introducing additional segments to expand the scheme’s scope and improve access to housing finance.

Under the revised framework, Overseas Pakistanis and Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) holding NICOP or POC will now be eligible for financing under the scheme. In addition, the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) may make arrangements for institutional financing for government employees through department level bulk processing under the scheme.

READ MORE: PM told: ‘Apna Ghar’ scheme disbursed Rs11bn so far

The federal government has also allowed the PFIs to extend financing for Private developer-led housing projects mode under the scheme.

Wazir-e-Azam’s Affordable Government Programme (AGP) “Ghar Ho Tu Apna,” is a low cast house financing scheme launched by the government of Pakistan to facilitate the masses to get their own home.

In September last year, the federal government introduced Markup Subsidy and Risk Sharing Scheme under the title “Mera Ghar-Mera Ashiana” for Affordable Housing Finance. The scheme covers the purchase of houses, flats, and plots, as well as construction of homes on already owned land.

Initially, as per term and conditions of the scheme, the eligible size of a housing unit was up to 5 Marla or a flat/ apartment of up to 1,360 square feet. However, in March federal government announced to increase the size of housing unit from 5 Marla to 10 Marla or 2720 sq ft, while, the eligible size of flat has also increased from 1,360 sq ft to 1500 sq ft.

Moreover, the government also enhanced maximum loan size by 180 percent from Rs 3.5 million to up to Rs 10 million with flat 5 percent customer/end user fixed pricing.

Banks and HBFCL have already been directed by the SBP to complete the credit approval process within a maximum of 15 working days from the receipt of a complete application. This step is aimed at reducing delays that have traditionally slowed down housing finance disbursement.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026