LAHORE: The Punjab government has doubled its interest-free housing loan target under the flagship ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ (ACAG) scheme for the ongoing financial year having already disbursed over Rs 243 billion to date.
This was disclosed during a meeting regarding the provision of interest-free loans that was chaired by Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin on Monday. Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) DG Sikandar Zeeshan, Urban Unit CEO Umar Masood, and representatives of the Bank of Punjab and microfinance institutions were present.
The meeting was informed that on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the interest-free loans have been doubled. In view of the record number of applications, the loan disbursement target has been doubled within the ongoing financial year. In addition, the Punjab government has set a unique record by disbursing more than Rs 243 billion in interest-free loans within a short period. Moreover, the number of approved loans has crossed 200,000 while 114,237 houses have been completed and 45,254 houses are under construction.
On this occasion, the Minister directed the immediate release of pending payments under the ACAG and called for further improvement in the monitoring mechanism. He said immediate action would be taken on complaints regarding unnecessary delays in the disbursement of loans. He added the core objective of the programme is to provide deserving families with a dignified and secure roof over their heads. “Interest-free loans are making it easier for homeless families to construct their own homes. The Chief Minister has redirected public funds towards public service and welfare-oriented projects,” he added.
He directed the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to expedite coordination with all stakeholders for the prompt resolution of complaints.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026