Apni Chhat Apna Ghar: Housing Scheme for Homeless
By Salman Khan
Owning a home has been a lifelong dream for millions of Pakistanis. It provides financial stability, family security, and social status. Yet, this dream does not often come true especially for low and middle income group due to soaring property prices and limited financing options.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan faces shortage of around 10 million units, which is growing by 0.3 million units annually. This is why Chief Minister Punjab Punjab has started government-backed housing initiatives like “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” to bridge the affordability gap.
The Punjab Government had launched the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” (ACAG) Program, aimed at providing 100,000 affordable homes to homeless families over the next four and a half years.
What is “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar”?
The slogan “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” signals sense of home ownership. It reflects the Punjab’s commitment to provide affordable housing and dignified living, particularly for those who are first-time buyers and the underserved.
There have been multiple government-led loan programs, subsidy schemes, and public-private partnerships aimed at providing opportunity for homeless people to access to housing finance.
Loan for Home by Maryam Nawaz: A New Housing Push
In 2025, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced to launch a new housing loan initiative named “Apni Chhat” campaign, to empower youth, women, and low-income families across the province.
Punjab cabinet had approved Rs62 billion for Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program to provide subsidy to homeless people.
3. Program Scope and Targets
Total Target: 100,000 Housing Units
1. Allocation of land for Construction (10,000 Units)
- Building on state-owned land under a land-sharing model.
- Developers bear Capital cost and PHATA to ensure quality and designs.
- Government to regulate prices and installment plans.
2. Affordable Housing in Private Schemes (20,000 Units)
- 20% of residential plots in private housing schemes under APHS Rules, 2020.
- Govt to Bear Rs 1 million subsidy per unit.
- Beneficiaries to pay a down payment with a 5-year installment plan.
- PHATA to ensure disbursements.
3. Interest-Free Loans (70,000 Units)
- Up to Rs 1.5 million interest-free loans aimed at building houses on 5 marlas in urban and 10 marlas personal land in rural Punjab.
- Loan tenure: 7 years, with monthly installments.
- A revolving fund to manage and disbursement in tranches.
- Read Full Policy Details
4. Eligibility Criteria
In an order to apply for the program, applicants will have to certain conditions:
- Should be a permanent resident of Punjab as per CNIC.
- Should own land up to 5 marlas (urban) or 10 marlas (rural).
- A criminal or loan defaulter record.
- Land suitable for residential construction.
Eligibility Criteria — Full Details
5. How to Apply
Punjab government has launched the online registration process to apply for the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme in simple way.
Application Steps:
- Visit: https://acag.punjab.gov.pk
- Fill in the registration form by providing CNIC, personal details, and land location.
- Will be required to create a secure password and submit your form.
- You will receive a confirmation SMS once submitted successfully.
ACAG Registration Form – Complete Guide
6. Expected Outcomes
The program is aimed at giving major social and economic dividends:
- Reduction in slum dwellings by shifting to informal settlements.
- Residents will have access to basic amenities (electricity, water, sewerage).
- Scheme is aimed at enhancing safety, community stability, and social cohesion.
- It will create 500,000+ jobs across construction, retail, and services.
7. Verified Success Stories: Real People, Real Homes
The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar program has resulted in successful stories..
Zahida Bibi – Lahore
Zahida Bibi is a resident of Lahore who secured an interest-free loan of Rs 1.4 million. She built a 2-room house on her inherited 3-marla plot. Now she is living rent-free with her children and sending them to school. She has been featured in PHATA Case Studies – Women & Housing Access
Irfan Hussain – Vehari
Irfan Hussain is a resident of Vehari and is a rickshaw driver. He qualified for the earlier Apna Ghar subsidy and paid only 15% down on a housing unit in a private scheme. His installment is Rs 9,000/month which is less than his previous rent.
Check Out More Details About Home Loan in Pakistan.
