ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Friday approved a revised low-cost housing scheme - enhancing the loan ceiling and expanding the eligible housing size criteria, while also granting Rs6.61 billion as budgetary cover for the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project to support key infrastructure development.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting which considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Housing and Works seeking approval of revised features of the “Mera Ghar Mera Aashiana (MGMA)” - Mortgage Financing for Low-Cost Housing scheme. The Committee was informed that since its launch, the scheme has generated strong public response, with over 10,594 loan applications received and disbursements underway.
After due consideration, the ECC approved the revised features of the scheme, including enhancement of the loan limit up to Rs 10 million, expansion of eligible housing size parameters, introduction of a uniform 5 percent end-user pricing, scaling targets for housing finance over a four-year horizon, continuation of implementation through the State Bank of Pakistan mechanism, and adjustment of already disbursed loans to the revised 5 percent rate to ensure uniformity.
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The Committee emphasized that subsidy payments will be aligned with actual disbursements and accommodated within annual fiscal allocations. The revised framework is aimed at expanding access to affordable housing finance, stimulating construction activity, generating employment, and promoting sustainable home ownership through a balanced risk-sharing and mark-up subsidy model.
The ECC also considered and approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control regarding the transfer of Rs. 7.289 million as a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for the ICT component of the project titled “National Program for Enhancing Command Areas in Barani Areas of Pakistan,” aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity in rain-fed regions.
Further, the ECC approved a summary submitted by the Railways Division for provision of a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) amounting to Rs. 6.61 billion for the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project as budgetary cover. The project is intended to facilitate transportation of indigenous coal to power plants and industrial sectors, thereby supporting energy security and reducing reliance on imported fuels.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, who participated virtually, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from the concerned ministries, divisions and regulatory bodies.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026